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The report, Investing in CEE: Inbound M&A Report 2020/2021, offers an overview of inbound M&A activity in the CEE region throughout 2020 and looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities in the coming months.
Deal value in the CEE region rose by 11% to €49.2bn, compared to 2019, even as volume dropped by 16% to a total of 648 transactions. This rise in deal value, in spite of the global pandemic, highlights the enduring appeal of the region for investors interested in big-ticket deals. When not including Russia, the region’s largest economy, recorded deal value figures in 2020 saw a 28% year-on-year increase.
International buyers continue to be attracted to the region, accounting for 49% of total deal value – investing €23.9bn – in line with previous years. Fabrice Demarigny, global head of financial advisory at Mazars, highlights how “on a global level, the CEE picture is one of stability. The region continues to attract a strong and steady flow of inbound investment from around the world.”
Private equity remained extremely active in 2020, with total disclosed buyouts in the region seeing a 40% year-on-year rise to €3.9bn. Private equity exits also fared well, with total disclosed value coming to €8.1bn, an 11% rise in 2019.
As COVID-19 vaccines continue to be rolled out, it is hoped that the second half of 2021 will offer a more stable dealmaking environment. However, risks from new waves of the virus, international disputes, and unexpected economic shocks are ever-present.
Nonetheless, Michel Kiviatkowski, CEE leader of financial advisory at Mazars, points to a positive year for the region, “having weathered 2020 so well, and with its competitive advantages coming ever more to the fore, CEE is well-placed to be one of the global centres for M&A.”
Further key findings from the report include:
Romania registered 40 deals in 2020, down 27% compared to 2019, while the total disclosed deal value came to €1.7bn, which is more than double compared to the previous year. Much of this total was due to the largest deal of the year in the country, which was Macquarie’s acquisition of the Romanian assets of the Czech energy company CEZ for €1bn.
„The M&A market saw an increase in deal activity in H2 in sectors such as energy & utilities, technology and healthcare, which registered positive dynamics. Local PE funds started also to be very active and contribute to the further development of the M&A in Romania.”, mentioned Răzvan Butucaru, Partner, Financial Services & Advisory Leader, Mazars Romania.
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Contacts
Edward Baggaley, Global Campaigns Manager, Mazars
edward.baggaley@mazars.co.uk / +44 (0)78 2408 6578
Emilia Popa, Head of Marketing and Communication, Mazars Romania
emilia.popa@mazars.ro / +40 741 111 042
About Mazars
Mazars is an internationally integrated partnership, specialising in audit, accountancy, advisory, tax, and legal services*. Operating in over 90 countries and territories around the world, we draw on the expertise of more than 42,000 professionals – 26,000+ in Mazars’ integrated partnership and 16,000+ via the Mazars North America Alliance – to assist clients of all sizes at every stage in their development.
*where permitted under applicable country laws.
www.mazars.com | Mazars on LinkedIn
About Mazars in Romania
In Romania, Mazars has over 25 years of experience in audit, tax, financial advisory, outsourcing, and consulting. Our strength lies in the people we work with – the local team has 7 partners and 230 professionals.
www.mazars.ro | Mazars Romania on LinkedIn
About Mergermarket
In M&A, information is the most valuable currency. Mergermarket, an Acuris company, reports on deals 6-24 months before they become public knowledge, giving our subscribers a powerful competitive advantage. With the largest network of dedicated M&A journalists and analysts, Mergermarket offers the most comprehensive M&A intelligence service available today. Our reporters are based in 67 locations across the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.
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