Cyber security in M&A deals and value creation strategies were just some of the topics discussed at the Italian M&A and Private Equity Forum. 

We've put together all the insights from the 2019 Swiss M&A and Private Equity Forum in case you missed the event. Presentations include the macro-outlook for corporates and lessons learnt in M&A.

The course of true love never did run smooth, and neither has the on-again, off-again interest of private equity in the renewable energy space.

Optimism amongst dealmakers for the future of European M&A has faltered somewhat since last year. The past 12 months have seen a shift in sentiment in the M&A community and the beginning of a downturn in activity with M&A value down 22% year-on-year to €652.2bn according to CMS' European M&A Outlook published in cooperation with Mergermarket. 

We have released 4 charts to summarise year-to-date M&A activity in Saudi Arabia ahead of the Saudi Arabian M&A and Capital Markets Forum hosted by Mergermarket on 9th September.

After several exuberant years in the European M&A markets; the party seems to be ending. Following a disappointing end to 2018, the worst half-yearly figure in five years, there’s some worry that dealmaking may continue to plummet. 

Here are 5 reasons why CEE M&A has remained broadly  in line with 2018’s figures amid global concerns. 

Saudi Arabia saw a significant increase in the volume and value of deals during the first half of 2019. 

Four trends to watch in the face of a sharp decline in H1 2019. 

During the first half of 2019, Benelux M&A totalled €16.9bn, down 27.6% from the previous year. Deal count declined to 349 from 397. We review the 5 trends set to define the next 6 months of dealmaking in Benelux. 

• Brexit sentiment largest influence on UK dealmakers
• Inbound foreign investment less than half of 1H18 figure
• Private equity take-private deals on the increase

• US deal activity up 14.6% year-on-year
• Domestic M&A accounts for two out of three deals
• 2Q19 global PE buyout value increases on past two quarters

France’s political volte face – apparently at the heart of the collapse of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles [NYSE:FCAU] and Groupe Renault [EPR:RNO] tie-up – has added to the maelstrom of confusion for European M&A practitioners hoping to navigate waves of populism and economic nationalism.

Known for its healthy sandwiches and organic coffee, Pret A Manger has eaten one of its own. It announced lastweek that it had agreed to buy EAT, a fellow UK-based coffee-and-sandwich chain, following a report that the two were in talks to merge.