Forging ahead. Second-quarter 2012 global metals industry mergers and acquisitions analysis

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Forging ahead is a quarterly analysis of global merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the metals industry. Each edition includes a review of overall deal activity for the quarter and year-to-date.

Forging ahead M&A analysis: Q2 2012

Despite concerns over the slowing Chinese economy, and the expectations for declines in commodities prices, acquirers from emerging and developing economies drove metals M&A activity during the second quarter of 2012, accounting for 65 percent of all deal making valued at $50 million or more.

• Deal volume and value decreased significantly during the second quarter of 2012, in keeping with the downtick in metals prices, which have been dropping since last year.
• Commodities pricing remains a concern, with prices for base metals expected to keep falling throughout this year.

If current levels of M&A activity continue throughout 2012, the sector could experience a year-over-year decline of nearly 20% in deal value. Unless and until prices and demand improve, the deal environment is likely to remain constrained.