M&A activity within Singapore and region expected to remain robust

It is likely to be lifted by pent-up demand from last year, substantial cash pile of PE firms and shift towards tech and high-growth industries

Published Wed, Jun 16, 2021 · 05:50 AM

M&A

Singapore

DESPITE ongoing Covid-19 pandemic headwinds, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity within Singapore and the region is expected to remain robust, boosted by pent-up demand from last year, supportive financing markets and overall strong market sentiment, particularly towards tech and high-growth industries.

As at end-May, US$2.4 trillion worth of M&A deals were announced globally - the highest level recorded over the first five months of the year, data from Refinitiv showed. In Asia-Pacific, M&A announcements increased 78 per cent to an all-time high of US$433.7 billion as at end-May compared with the same period last year.

Deals involving a Singapore target totalled US$43.9 billion year-to-date across 160 deals, exceeding 2020's US$38.9 billi…