19 Nov 2021

Mergers and acquisitions up on record previous quarter, PwC says

10:46 am on 19 November 2021

Mergers and acquisitions are showing no signs of slowing down, with another record breaking quarter.

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Data from PwC shows 54 deals were completed or announced for the third quarter, up from the previous record of 47 in the second quarter of the year.

Technology, media and telecommunication dominated the deals, and healthcare activity was also strong.

Eight deals were announced or completed in the pharmaceutical, medical and biotechnology sector.

PwC corporate finance leader Regan Hoult said local activity had been a key driver for mergers and acquisitions.

"There was quite strong local corporate activity, there were local consolidation plays, Cortex and EROAD merging is one example there."

PwC said 37 of the 54 deals announced or completed during Q3 involved a New Zealand buyer.

Hoult international activity also remained strong, well ahead of 2020 levels, and slightly ahead of 2019 levels.

Almost half of the international activity came from Australia, and continued to be a strong contributor to buying New Zealand businesses.