Lumina’s 2023 M&A survey released: UK/Mid East cross-border deals up 112%
Lumina releases its 2023 M&A Survey. Key highlights include:
112% increase in inbound interest since our last survey, however capital raising extremely challenging
c.40% seeking an inbound transaction into the Middle East in the next 18 months
Infrastructure services including energy transition, digital transformation and healthcare sectors driven by sovereign investment partnerships and Vision 2030
UAE forming regional champions in key sectors through acquisition strategies at a federal level
Internationals seeking regional access through JVs, Partnerships and local capabilities in KSA
Differing risk perception of internationals leading to valuation mis-alignment
Deal delays and knowledge / access key challenges to transacting
Increasing deal sizes since our last survey, with a shift from <USD100m upwards to <USD250m
Increasing use of debt, driven by SWFs and quasi government access, however, limited availability for private transactions
The market is sophisticated with the vast majority of clients relying on the expertise of regionally based advisors particularly in cross border situations