Retail review

Download PDF Introduction A retailer is a company or individual that sells goods or services directly to consumers, typically in small quantities for personal or household use. Positioned at the final stage of the supply chain, retailers reach consumers through brick-and-mortar stores, digital platforms, or a blend of both. While Read more…

Geopolitics: A “New” M&A Driver?

Download PDF Introduction Geopolitics has become an increasingly influential factor in M&A, shaping and influencing deals whose rationale now goes beyond financial and strategic considerations, to national security concerns and soft power demonstration. Recent, and growing, geopolitical tensions between global powers, especially between the Western and the Eastern hemisphere, have Read more…

Defence: A Monopsony In evolution

Download PDF Introduction In an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape, global defence markets are undergoing rapid and historic transformation. From the United States to Europe, military budgets are surging, procurement strategies are evolving, and investor interest is spiking. In the U.S., legacy defence giants are facing a wave of disruption from Read more…

Activist Investors Recap

Download PDF Introduction In 2024, over 240 activist campaigns were launched globally, the highest number since 2018, according to a Barclays report. The US and APAC remained the primary regions for activism, with 44% and 29% of campaigns initiated in these areas, respectively. Meanwhile, activity in Europe saw a slight Read more…

The Danish Compromise: Why It Matters

Download PDF Introduction The Danish Compromise is a regulatory provision within the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) which allows banks to apply favorable capital treatment to their equity investments in insurance subsidiaries. This mechanism has a significant impact on capital allocation strategies for financial conglomerates active in both banking and insurance Read more…

The Hidden Lies of Private Equity Returns

Download PDF Introduction Over the past decades, private equity has emerged as a robust asset class, consistently matching—and often outperforming—public market returns over longer horizons. This article examines the performance of private equity funds, detailing how strategies such as multiples expansion, deleveraging, and operational improvements have driven returns. Yet over Read more…

Winter Deal Recap

Download PDF Introduction In 2024, global M&A activity maintained a strong pace, with deal value rising by approximately 15% compared to 2023. This growth occurred despite market conditions improving less than expected, as interest rates remained high and geopolitical tensions persisted worldwide. The trend continued in the final months of Read more…