Debt Explorer | High yield bond issuance in the US and Europe feels the pinch in a challenging macro-economic environment, but green shoots emerge in Asia as real estate sector dislocation bottoms out and markets stabilize

Debt Explorer | Leveraged loan activity slows in the US, Europe and APAC as a volatile economic backdrop and the rising cost of debt starts to weigh on issuance

M&A Explorer | In line with global M&A, private equity dealmaking experienced a dip in activity during the third quarter  

M&A Explorer | A string of megadeals powered dealmaking activity during the first half of the year

M&A Explorer | Pandemic-fueled demand for delivery services is attracting investors looking for quick profits and low risk

White & Case M&A Explorer | Carve-out deals are offering businesses and investors an alternative route to growth in a post-COVID global economy

White & Case Debt Explorer | Term loan A debt is back in the spotlight as borrowers look for financing alternatives in an increasingly volatile institutional loan market

White & Case Debt Explorer | Rising inflation and climbing interest rates have slowed leveraged loan activity in Europe and the US, while COVID-19 restrictions in China dampened demand in Asia-Pacific.

We highlight the key UK & European M&A trends in H2 2021 and H1 2022, and provide our insights into the outlook for M&A moving forward.

UK & European Financial Services M&A: Sector trends H2 2021 | H1 2022 — Banks

A host of megadeals bumped up deal value in the sector, but regulatory and economic headwinds remain  

Dealmaking failed to reach the highs of the previous year as rising inflation and a challenging financing environment put some deals under question

Long-term consumer behavior triggered by the pandemic continues to catalyze deal activity  

The global drive towards a low-carbon circular economy and increased focus on ESG are creating many new opportunities for metal recycling projects. But is scrap the answer to the growing demand for green metals?

IPOs boomed in 2021, with both the number of new listings and the total proceeds raised breaking records. But dealmakers face a tougher road ahead.  

The dust is settling after the flurry of activity in 2021, and the IPO market is facing considerable headwinds. The following key themes could dominate equity market headlines in 2022

While IPO activity was robust throughout Europe, the Nordic region stood out

Fueled by strong stock markets and the need for yield, investors poured money into IPOs in 2021, resulting in a record-breaking year

Companies across the globe are turning to M&A to fulfill their ESG ambitions while investors seek the steep returns on offer

A combination of SPACs, pent-up demand from pandemic-shocked 2020 and a wave of technology listings drove the IPO market to record highs 

Ambitious decarbonization policies are encouraging dealmaking within the renewables industry, with the sector’s untapped potential too big to ignore  

From record SPAC IPOs and M&A deal flow to the SEC issuing a variety of pronouncements, last year was one to remember.  

Annual deal value more than doubled 2020’s total to reach all-time high  

Deal value exceeded US$1 trillion in every quarter for the first time in history, in just one example of the record-shattering 2021.  

Logistics, packaging and shipments companies are using M&A to expand their service coverage and future proof.

Heightened interest in medical suppliers, contract research organizations and biotech firms resulted in an impressive year for healthcare dealmaking.

New rules require transactions involving Swedish security-sensitive activities or assets to undergo a security screening

Deals are generally not blocked in Finland

The Investment Screening Act requires a careful assessment of investments involving Danish entities

A guide to navigating the rules for investing in countries that require foreign direct investment approval

Issuance of leveraged loans and high yield bonds to fund buyouts surged to quarterly highs in 2021 as private equity sponsors raised their investment game

Deal activity in the auto industry has never been higher, as manufacturers look to capitalize on the shift towards electric vehicles  

Despite a spike in energy prices and persistent inflation, year-to-date leveraged loan activity showed substantial gains on 2020 levels  

Global high yield markets paused for breath in Q3 2021, but year-to-date issuance remains ahead of 2020 levels in most regions

After four quarters in a row of exceptionally high PE activity, Q3 2021 has continued the trend, recording the highest value and volume of any third quarter on record  

Despite a drop on the previous quarter, Q3 2021 global M&A value represented the strongest Q3 on Mergermarket record. 

Financial institutions M&A sector trends: banks — H1 2021 and outlook for H2 2021