World in transition: Four themes

We focus on four themes of change and how they are affecting companies and markets around the world.
In this way, we hope to contribute to a greater understanding of where the world is headed at a time of historic transitions.

An arrow points to the right against a background of different colored dots.
Insight
Buoyant capital markets help fuel dealmaking
A person, with their back to the camera, sits at a desk in front of two computer monitors. The monitor on the right shows a world map that uses bright color to represent demographics, infrastructure, borders and resources. Similarly colored graphs are partially visible on the monitor to the left.
Insight
Policy shifts may signal a new chapter in the story of globalization
Alert
Four major changes to corporate transparency in 2022
Metropolis
Insight
Global IPOs: A blockbuster year
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.  
pump jacks
Insight
ESG pressures fuel dealmaking
Companies across the globe are turning to M&A to fulfill their ESG ambitions while investors seek the steep returns on offer
Energy projects
Insight
Building the new: Creative solutions for procuring major energy projects
Connect cars
Insight
At a crossroads: Europe’s auto sector borrowers face change and the effects of events in Ukraine
Vehicle sales rebounded strongly following lockdowns, but Europe’s automotive companies confront a period of significant change as governments phase out combustion engines, supply chain constraints bite and the impacts of events in Ukraine are felt  
Alert
Biden Administration Increases Domestic Content Requirements under Buy American Act, Enhances Price Preferences for Domestic “Critical” Goods
Alert
How to Manage the Risks of SPAC Securities Fraud Actions in 2022
Alert
Dismissal of judicial review highlights the challenges in pursuing climate change-related claims in the UK
stock market
Insight
Backed by SPACs, IPOs hit new heights in 2021
A combination of SPACs, pent-up demand from pandemic-shocked 2020 and a wave of technology listings drove the IPO market to record highs 
Alert
Biden Administration Announces New Initiatives to Incentivize Clean Manufacturing
Solar
Insight
Global decarbonization goals drive renewables M&A
Ambitious decarbonization policies are encouraging dealmaking within the renewables industry, with the sector’s untapped potential too big to ignore  
Alert
SPACs and De-SPAC Transactions in the UAE
Alert
How Digital Asset Innovators Can Manage the Risks of White Collar Scrutiny in the US
Alert
Virtual "Currencies": Not actual currencies
Facing headwinds
Insight
Facing headwinds
The aviation sector has endured a difficult two years amid border closures and lockdowns. In spite of persistent volatility and uncertainty, our survey finds that senior executives are cautiously optimistic about the state of global aviation financing in 2022
London city photo
Insight
European leveraged finance: From surviving to thriving
Leveraged loan and high yield bond markets in Western and Southern Europe saw a major resurgence in the past 12 months, driven initially by refinancing, followed by almost unprecedented M&A and buyout issuance, and setting the stage for, on balance, a productive year ahead  
building
Insight
Loan activity drives US leveraged finance to new heights while high yield bond issuance maintains lofty pace
Large double-digit gains in US loan issuance meant leveraged finance markets ended 2021 with a bang and set the stage for robust activity in 2022  
Patterns
Insight
CLO activity skyrockets in the US
Financial stimulus and sustained investor appetite for yield have seen US CLO issuance scale record heights  
Stock board
Insight
Buy-and-build boom sees add-on debt surge
Issuers are tapping institutional loan markets for add-on debt at a rapid pace as private equity firms turn to buy-and-build strategies to lower entry multiples and accelerate deployment  
US flags
Insight
FDI on the radar screen
Governments around the world are tightening their scrutiny of foreign direct investments  
Alert
President Biden Extends Safeguard Measure on Solar Products for Four Years, Doubles Tariff-Rate Quota for Solar Cells
Alert
Two-Pillar Solution to Address the Tax Challenges Arising from the Digitalisation of the Economy: 15% Minimum Tax for Multinationals
cylinder
Insight
Mining & metals 2022: ESG and energy transition – the sector's biggest opportunity
Against a backdrop of record commodity prices and the pressure for miners to boost their ESG credentials, the sector is seeking to position itself as a trusted partner in fighting climate change.
Alert
ATAD III: Is the tide turning on shell companies?
Article
The greening of hydrocarbons
Article
Climate change disputes: The rise of rights-based claims
Article
The "Sun Beneath our Feet" – Geothermal power development in Asia Pacific
Alert
COVID-19 – Guidance for International Employers
Record breaker: US M&A 2021
Insight
Cross-border deals face increased CFIUS scrutiny
Increased sector scope and concerns around a more aggressive approach to identifying non-notified transactions is leading to rising numbers of filings
Record breaker: US M&A 2021
Insight
Antitrust: Extended timelines and broader scope
The Federal Trade Commission is taking an increasingly stringent approach to antitrust investigations
Record breaker: US M&A 2021
Insight
SEC enforcement ramps up
Dealmakers should be braced for a more aggressive stance under Chair Gary Gensler
Record breaker: US M&A 2021
Insight
Financing likely to continue largely as is, despite inflationary worries
Borrower-friendly terms over the past few years have helped boost M&A totals—and a number of factors suggest the financing will not change dramatically in 2022
Record breaker: US M&A 2021
Insight
Notable decisions from Delaware courts
In the second half of 2021, Delaware courts issued several decisions affecting M&A dealmaking
sunset view
Insight
European leveraged finance: From survive to thrive
European leveraged finance markets rebounded in the past 12 months, driven  by enthusiastic refinancing activity and a resurgent M&A marketplace, setting the  stage for a healthy year ahead
Record breaker: US M&A 2021
Insight
Record breaker: US M&A 2021
US M&A had an extraordinary year in 2021, with total deal value reaching US$2.6 trillion—surpassing US$2 trillion for the first time
Alert
Drug Pricing Issues to Watch in 2022
Alert
Post COP26: Developing and Funding Energy Transition Projects
Stock market
Insight
Global private equity delivers groundbreaking 2021
Annual deal value more than doubled 2020’s total to reach all-time high