We predict that 2010 will be remembered as a comeback year with significant M&A activity. While 2009 was a slow year in the M&A space, in 2010 the pickup in M&A activity will be considerable.
We expect activity to include acquisitions in the "green" and media and telecom sectors. Life sciences will continue to be robust though mid-market focused. Well-run Canadian pension funds and banks will also take advantage of their relative strength to make international acquisitions. Large conglomerates, including financial institutions, will carve out their non-core assets. Private equity is also showing signs of renewed interest in acquisitions.
Although foreign buyers will face some scrutiny from the Canadian government when national security issues are triggered, "national security" will not be viewed as broadly as was once feared. Canadian M&A deals may also face more lengthy and onerous antitrust reviews.
In 2010, shareholders will continue their unprecedented level of activism, which began in 2009. Canadian directors may experiment by trying to “just say no” to unsolicited offers, while recent developments suggest that U.S. directors may tread more cautiously on this front.
Torys’ M&A lawyers are looking ahead to 2010, and this is what they see.
Please use the navigation bar at the top of the page to view the 10 trends or click here to view the first trend.