Poland, private equity and the potential within the technology sector are driving dealmaking in the region and the prospects for the rest of 2021 and beyond look bright

Global dealmakers series 2021 - Deal breakers and opportunity makers: The rise of ESG in M&A, published in association with Baker Tilly International, dives into the trends around ESG priorities and opportunities as the world emerges from the depths of the pandemic.

A survey of 50 investment funds, pension funds, investment banks and sponsors reveals that investors are more focused on ESG issues than ever before

While COVID-19 adversely affected almost all sectors in 2020, one industry not only survived but thrived. And, according to our survey with Wolf Theiss, that sector is going to flourish again in 2021 and beyond

As and when the pandemic subsides, private equity and corporates will be in competition for the most prized assets in the region. But our survey with Wolf Theiss reveals that their outlooks, attitudes and strategies are, at times, very different.

Having spent the past year navigating significant headwinds, a recovery is anticipated for the Ukrainian M&A market in 2021

The region has weathered the COVID-19 storm better than most and while the pandemic is by no means over, our exclusive survey conducted with Wolf Theiss reveals that dealmakers are already looking at opportunities.

Even if vaccines and careful management are efficient in halting the pandemic, the economic aftermath could provide unique challenges to dealmakers – and that is on top of the usual obstacles to M&A.

Rules, regulations and risk can all be barriers to smooth running of transactions, and new legislation could make life even more challenging for dealmakers.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are no longer just a trend – they are fast becoming a mainstream part of the M&A process. And their importance is growing exponentially, according to our survey with Wolf Theiss.

Despite the pandemic, and, in some cases, because of it, M&A in the technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) sector has flourished. According to our survey with Wolf Theiss, it will continue to do so.

While the pandemic hit deal volume in the sector, value increased on the back of a lucrative banking deal in Hungary. Meanwhile our survey with Wolf Theiss shows optimism for post-COVID dealmaking.

The financial crisis saw banks retreat and private lenders emerge. In the years since, this once-nascent trend has become increasingly mainstream. And our survey with Wolf Theiss reveals that private backing for deals in CEE is only going to grow.

Three big deals and an increase in value covered up a big dip in M&A volume in the real estate and construction sector. And the outlook for the industry is very mixed, according to our survey with Wolf Theiss.

In Wolf Theiss' series focusing on key markets in the CEE/SEE, we shine a light on Hungary.