Consider Mergers and Acquisitions as a growth strategy

In April 2020 the Competition Commission indicated that it anticipated a surge in mergers and acquisitions after the pandemic had taken its course.

In April 2020 the Competition Commission indicated that it anticipated a surge in mergers and acquisitions after the pandemic had taken its course.

Published Apr 22, 2021

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Almost a year after Covid-19 started to disrupt our lives and with the turmoil that the second wave of infections is causing, it is difficult to base any growth plans on the overall expected GDP growth.

However, given the contraction in the economy we experienced in 2020, growth must be a theme for 2021. An important lever for growth has resulted from the pandemic’s impact: in April 2020 the Competition Commission indicated that it anticipated a surge in mergers and acquisitions after the pandemic had taken its course.

This is a global expectation, with analysts suggesting that the pandemic-generated financial crisis will create so-called alpha companies: large, mature and cash-flush companies in a strong position to buy out their competitors.

There are still significant headwinds awaiting many businesses, especially those less able to adapt to the new normal, which creates opportunities for these alpha companies to step in and target businesses that find themselves severely impacted by the pandemic fallout.

Add to this scenario unfavourable gearing further diminishing a balance sheet, and the weaker companies become prime targets for competitors to drive growth.

It’s important, however, to carefully consider the type of industry in which the target company operates, the risks and opportunities presented through this pandemic and the nuances of the South African economy, as these are pivotal to the decision to proceed and the structuring of a transaction.

Considering the synergies – such as cost, technology and culture – between the two companies is imperative: they must be clearly identified and distinctly linked to balance sheet and income statement benefits.

It is also important to have a clear understanding of how the transaction will change or augment the acquiring company’s position in its value chain, as well as any contingent liabilities and risks embedded in the transaction.

The Nedbank Business Banking Specialised Finance team is uniquely positioned to help these companies grow through mergers and acquisitions and general expansionary finance.

The division is highly skilled, with collective experience exceeding 100 years in bespoke structuring of leveraged transactions.

Through their rich skills and experience, this team offers industry-leading debt structuring services to help businesses with the decision-making, de-risking and structuring of transactions to ensure sustainability. Through an extensive network established in the market, they also have substantial experience to support corporate actions such as listing, de-listing and trade sales.

You can phone Greg on 083 325 0148 or send an email to [email protected] or contact any of our regional specialised finance principals for more information:

Gauteng and Tshwane

Fahmida Potgieter: 071 880 6590, email: [email protected]

Akshar Sewkuran: 072 611 4531, email: [email protected]

Cape

Richard Schram: 083 679 0486, email: [email protected]

KwaZulu-Natal

Stuart Bradbury: 083 626 9925, email: [email protected]

To find out more read here.

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