KP TECH Analysis: Number of M&A transactions in the European technology sector on high level in Q1 2014

Acquisition activity in first quarter 2014 again on high level. There were 876 acquisitions involving European technology companies in Q1 2014, an increase of 22% over the same period last year. The combined value of all deals in Q1 2014 increased from $42,2 billion in Q4 2013 to $73,4 billion in first quarter 2014. After a surge in IPOs during the last quarter of 2013, there were 10 during the first quarter of 2014.

UK companies accounting for 27% of the deals announced in first quarter 2014 in terms of buy-side activity. In second place, North American buyers accounted for 12% of all transactions. German buyers were noticeably more active with a 45% increase in deals announced in Q1 2014 compared to Q4 2013 and the highest number of deals since Q1 2009.

Three sectors saw increased numbers of transactions in first quarter 2014 – Internet Service; up 27% and IT distribution; up 24% and Computer Hardware up 21%. The largest transaction sector, Content and Media accounting for 31% of European TMT deals in first quarter 2013 was up 3% over the previous quarter.

The majority of the buyers in the technology sector in Europe, with 68% of all transactions, are private corporates. Also on the sell side the private corporates where responsible for the majority with more than 570 transactions in Q1 2014. More than 190 transactions in first quarter 2014 came from divestment scenarios. In Q1 2014 there were more than 90 Venture Capital and Private Equity exits; clear higher compared to the previous quarter.

More details regarding this analysis are available by request at info [“at”] tech-corporatefinance.de.

KP TECH is an independent corporate finance and M&A adviser. The clients include both international and medium-sized companies. KP TECH accompanied product and services companies in this sectors and act as expert partner in questions relating to mergers & acquisitions, company valuation, business due diligence and venture capital.

KP TECH Beratungsgesellschaft mbH
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Tel.: +49 (0) 69-713786-0
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Internet: www.tech-corporatefinance.de
E-Mail: info [“at”] tech-corporatefinance.de
Managing Partner: Sandra Preuß, Michael Klumpp

This release was published on openPR.