Chemical compounds

Download Chemical compounds: Global chemical mergers and acquisitions analysis - 1Q 2009 (312kb)

Welcome to Chemical compounds: First-quarter 2009 mergers and acquisitions analysis, PricewaterhouseCoopers' report devoted to the chemicals industry.

We continue to analyse M&A activity in the chemicals industry and have been publishing new Chemical compounds reports each quarter since 2008. These quarterly analyses include information on individual mergers and acquisitions for disclosed or undisclosed values, leveraged buyouts, privatisations, minority stake purchases, acquisitions of remaining interest and other important information.

After a healthy deal-making environment in 2008, anxiety over the declining global economy negatively impacted the global chemicals industry in first quarter 2009. Deal volume declined significantly during the first quarter amid concerns over diminished demand and liquidity. In the first quarter 2009, 143 deals were announced, a 31 percent decline from fourth quarter 2008 and a 7 percent decrease from the first quarter 2008. Furthermore, deal activity concerning transactions with a disclosed value greater than $50 million (58 deals) plummeted 55 percent compared with the first quarter 2008.

In addition to a detailed summary of M&A activity in the first quarter of 2009, this issue includes a special report that addresses the effect of the national stimulus bill and the developments in the auto industry on the chemicals sector. Included in the discussion are ways in which automotive losses translate to difficulties for chemical companies as well as their efforts for long-term restructuring.