The Best Defense is Good Offense: Siemens and Alstom Merge Rail Operations to Prepare for Chinese Competition

Siemens AG (SIE:ETR) – market cap as of 29/09/2017: €101.32bn Alstom SA (ALO:EPA) – market cap as of 29/09/2017: €7.92bn Introduction The French rail transport company Alstom SA and the German industrial conglomerate Siemens AG announced on Tuesday 24 September 2017 that they agreed to merge their rail operations. The Read more…

Another Alternative to Grow in the US Energy Market: Sempra Energy to Acquire Oncor for $18.8bn

Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE) – market cap as of 16/09/2017: $29.39bn Introduction On August 20, 2017, Sempra Energy announced an agreement to acquire the 80% stake that Energy Future Holdings Corporation holds in Oncor Electric Delivery Company. The deal agreement ends a series of bids from relevant players, with Sempra being Read more…

Aerospace is Flying High: US United Technology and Rockwell Collins to Merge in a New Giant

United Technology Corp. (UTX:NYSE) – market cap as of 16/09/2017: $90.33bn Rockwell Collins Inc. (COL:NYSE) – market cap as of 16/09/2017: $21.30bn Introduction On September 4, 2017, United Technology Corp. announced the definitive agreement to acquire the aviation system and cabin equipment maker Rockwell Collins Inc. for a total transaction Read more…

Amazon completes acquisition of Whole Foods Market for $13.7bn

Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) — market cap as of 15/09/2017: $476.64bn Introduction On June 16, 2017, it was announced that Amazon.com Inc. (“Amazon”) had reached a definitive agreement to acquire Whole Foods Market Inc. (“Whole Foods”), for a total cash consideration of approximately $13.7bn, including net debt. This is the latest deal in a Read more…

Transportation is getting hot: US trucking companies Knight and Swift to merge in an all American new giant

Swift Transportation Co (SWFT:NYQ) – market cap as of 29/04/2017: $3.27bn Knight Transportation Inc. (KNX:NYQ) – market cap as of 29/04/2017: $2.76bn Introduction On April 10, 2017, Swift and Knight have agreed to merge in an all-stock transaction that is expected to create the largest player in the Transportation and Read more…

Siemens Doubles Down on its Software Business with the $4.5bn Acquisition of Mentor Graphics

Siemens AG (ETR: SIE)—market cap as of 28/04/2017: €111.86bn Introduction On November 14, 2016, Siemens, Europe’s largest manufacturing and electronics conglomerate, announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire the electronic design automation company Mentor Graphics, in a transaction valued at c. $4.5bn. The cash offer of $37.25 Read more…

Amazon of Arabia: Jeff Bezos’ Giant Buys Souq in a Move to Enter the Middle East Market

Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) — market cap as of 31/03/2017: $423.03bn Introduction On March 28, 2017, American electronic e-commerce and cloud computing company Amazon.com announced its acquisition of Dubai-based Souq.com, in a move that is expected to bring a significant impact on the Middle East’s small but fast-growing e-commerce sector. According Read more…

European Car Makers in Pole Position: PSA Group to Acquire GM’s European Businesses for €2.2bn

Peugeot SA (EPA: UG) – market cap as of 11/03/2017: €15.79bn General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) – market cap as of 11/03/2017: $55.17bn Introduction On March 6, 2017, PSA Group announced an agreement with General Motors Co. whereby the French holding will acquire GM’s Opel and Vauxhall subsidiaries, together with Read more…

Suppliers of Aircraft Manufacturers Shooting for the Stars: Safran to acquire Zodiac Aerospace for €9.7bn

Safran S.A. (EPA: SAF) – market cap as of 03/03/2017: €28.61bn Zodiac Aerospace S.A. (EPA: ZC) – market cap as of 03/03/2017: €8.03bn Introduction On January 19, 2017, the French multinational plane engine manufacturer Safran announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire the aircraft seat supplier Zodiac Read more…