2016 has been a year of surprises with the U.K. voting to leave the European Union, fears over China’s economic slowdown, oil price slumps, and Donald Trump winning the U.S. presidential election. Despite these shocks to the market, 2016 will likely be the third best year for global mergers and acquisitions in the past 10 years and dealmakers predict that 2017 will be even stronger.
2017 Outlook
There are many factors that may contribute to robust M&A activity next year. Capital remains available and cheap and in the latest Livingston Survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, economic forecasters have strengthened their outlook for the U.S. economic environment and their predictions for stock prices. The possibility of tax reform under the new presidential administration may also boost M&A activity. Most importantly, CEOs remain confident and willing to execute deals to grow their businesses.
Geopolitical upsets like Brexit and the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections may dampen activity as some may wait to see how these situations will affect their business and the marketplace. Changes in the interest rates may also reduce activity in some sectors, but create new opportunities in others such as financial services.
Top Sectors for 2017
Strong activity is expected in the following sectors:
- Consumer product
- Telecommunications, Media and Technology (TMT)
- Industrials
- Healthcare
- Financial services
- Oil and gas
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