Top 5 Biggest M&A deals of 2021

Global M&A activity in 2021 easily surpassed the pre-pandemic level and nearly matched the peaks of 2015 and 2007. The number of announced M&A deals exceeded 62,000 globally in 2021, up an unprecedented 24% from 2020.

2021 was a very successful year for global M&A activity, so we’re taking the time to look back on some of the biggest M&A deals of the year.

The biggest M&A deals of 2021:

5. US17.4 billion acquisition of PPD by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

This partnership brings together Thermo Fisher Scientific, a pioneer in scientific instruments with a leader in clinical research services (PPD). Synergies are estimated to total around $125 million as a result of the purchase. It also establishes a foothold for Thermo Fisher Scientific Industries in the $50 billion clinical research market.

 4. US20 billion acquisition of Nuance Corporation by Microsoft

Microsoft’s $20 billion purchase of Nuance Corporation provides it with a significant presence in the healthcare industry. According to Microsoft, the target company’s products are utilized by more than 55 percent of physicians and 75 percent of radiologists in the United States, as well as 77 percent of hospitals in the country. As a result, it’s a great purchase for Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, which was launched in 2020 and is Microsoft’s attempt to apply its industry-specific cloud approach to the healthcare sector. It paid a premium of 23% above Nuance’s stock price.

Why not have a look at Top 5 Biggest M&A deals of 2022 so far

 3. US$22 billion acquisition of Deutsche Wohnen by Vonovia

In May, Germany’s largest residential property business launched a bid for the country’s second-largest residential property business. The deal is still the biggest in Europe so far this year. When the two companies merge, the new company will have ownership of almost 500,000 properties. Vonovia has been considering an acquisition of its competitor for several years and had already had two proposals rejected.

 2. US26 billion acquisition of Shaw Communication by Rogers Communication

The purchase of Shaw Communication by Rogers creates a national mobile communications powerhouse in Canada. The merged business has already pledged to build $2.5 billion in 5G infrastructure in Western Canada over the next half-decade.

1. US$30 billion acquisition of KCS by Canadian National Railway

Finally, we´ve reached the biggest M&A deal of the year. The combined firm would bring an integrated logistics firm that spans Canada, the United States, and Mexico, potentially perfectly timed for reset trade relations between the US and Mexico.

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ONEtoONE is specialized in international middle-market M&A advisory, having participated in more than 1500 mandates. We continuously focus on improving the techniques to achieve the best possible price for our clients. We advise on mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, and valuation. If you need advice for any possible corporate operation, do not hesitate to contact us.