Globally, some large companies may change hands through tender offers. What major market movements can we expect this year? Experts from AURIS Finance, a mergers and acquisitions consultancy, share their analysis with you.
The M&A market is currently at a low ebb. After a particularly exceptional year in 2021, 2022 has seen a significant decline in both the number and volume of deals completed. Despite the resilience of the French market, 2023 still looks uncertain. A recent Bloomberg survey of 21 M&A practices, analysts, brokers and fund managers identifies the companies that could be acquired through takeover in the near future.
Enlabs and Temonos in the running
Entain, a specialist in online sports betting, and Temonos, a world leader in integrated banking software, are leading the analysts’ predictions: two international giants operating in different sectors, but both having grown through acquisition. Formerly GVC Holdings, Entain has positioned itself on various targets, acquiring the Swedish online betting company Enlabs in 2017 before taking over Australia’s Tabcorp in 2021. Now one of the leaders in the sector, Enlabs is the focus of much interest. After rejecting an $11 billion takeover bid from casino operator MGM, the group has attracted interest from giant DraftKings for $22 billion. This transaction failed, but other players could make a bid in 2023.
The same is true of Temonos, which has been the subject of numerous rumours in recent months.
Vivendi, Atos, Burberry, and Playtech
Other major transactions could take place during 2023. This is the case of French giant Vivendi, whose takeover by its reference shareholder Bolloré remains likely, according to analysts. The movements of companies such as Atos, Burberry or Playtech will also be closely watched by M&A experts, who agree that takeovers of these giants cannot be ruled out in 2023. Burberry, for example, is now one of the most prominent FTSE 100 companies in the luxury sector. Similarly, the French IT giant appears to be gearing up for a major deal. In recent months, Atos has embarked on an important restructuring plan, divesting some of its activities and refocusing on digital transformation and cyber security. Atos currently employs around 110,000 people and has revenues of €11 billion. Finally, Playtech, a provider of video gaming technology, is currently undergoing a period of consolidation. A year after rejecting a takeover bid from Aristocrat Leisure, the company may return to the negotiating table.
Get the support you need
A takeover affects a company’s entire ecosystem. When takeovers happen, they affect the subsidiaries, suppliers, and customers of large companies. Moreover, every sale is preceded by a process of concentration and restructuring, leading to sales (as in the case of ATOS) and acquisitions (as in the case of online betting specialist Enlabs). Experts from AURIS Finance, specialised in different sectors, are at your side to assist you throughout your M&A operations.
