Forging ahead: Metals industry merger & acquisition activity, Q4 2011
Forging ahead is a quarterly analysis of global merger and acquisition (M&Amp;A) activity in the metals industry. Each edition includes a review of overall deal activity for the quarter and year-to-date.
Given the current economic environment, the metals sector could see moderate deal growth into 2012. However, the general collapse of aluminum prices impacting the bottom lines of some large producers, accumulating stock levels and soft economic conditions further impacting pricing and the potential of a slowdown in the steel industry in 2012, given weakening global demand and the tighter control of the Chinese real estate market could weigh on the sector.