Technology

Mergermarket reports continued global deal-making recovery, mega deals lead the surge

Published

3 months ago

September 30, 2024

NEW YORK and LONDON, Sept. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Mergermarket, an ION Analytics service, reports that the recovery in global deal-making continued into 3Q24 as central banks in Europe and the US began cutting interest rates. Mega deals drove activity, with the tech sector capturing a significant portion of deal volume, highlighting a nascent recovery fueled by expectations of lower rates. These findings are based on data from Mergermarket’s 9M24 M&A Highlights report, published today.

The report notes that despite the uptick in M&A deal volume, the market has faced challenges over the period. Small and mid-cap M&A remained subdued, with ongoing valuation challenges as firms adjusted to the shifting interest rates. Private equity (PE) investors have held on to assets for longer and explored alternative exit strategies. As a result, there is a substantial backlog of transactions in the M&A pipeline, most notably PE exits.

Key findings from the report reveal:

Global M&A volume for 9M24 increased 18.8% Year-On-Year (Y-O-Y) to USD 2.5 trillion. Mega deals valued at USD 2 billion or more accounted for USD 1.278 trillion, over half the total volume.North America dominated M&A activity with 50% of the volume, while EMEA held 26% and Asia Pacific took 22%.The biggest deal came from Japan, with retail conglomerate Seven & I receiving a USD 58 billion bid from Canada’s Alimentation Couche-Tard. The remaining deals in the top 10 involved US-based targets. Tech deals accounted for 20% of the total volume, up from 18% last year but down from 26% in both 2022 and 2021.After a dip in the first quarter, financial sponsor-led buyouts surged, with 3Q buyout volume rising 42% Y-o-Y to USD 166 billion and the total for the first nine months up 38% to USD 456.5 billion.Sponsor exits rebounded from 2023’s lows, with exits in the first nine months totaling USD 292 billion, up 19% from the same period last year.

Lucinda Guthrie, Head of Mergermarket, says, “Mega deals have been at the forefront of M&A activity in 2024, causing deal volumes to increase substantially each quarter this year. Despite the typical skittishness around the US election outcomes that traditionally leads to a 3Q dip in activity, North America saw substantial blockbuster deals hitting the headlines this year, including Mars’ bid for Kellanova and Verizon’s swoop on Frontier Communications.

Given that M&A is coming back from a period of slim deal flow, there is a strong backlog of transactions, most notably private equity exits, in the M&A pipeline. Although geopolitical and macro uncertainty persists, the Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate cut together with the typical post-US election 4Q boost in M&A activity offers further optimism for activity in the months to come.”

To download the full report, click here.

About ION

ION provides mission-critical trading and workflow automation software, high-value analytics and insights, and strategic consulting to financial institutions, central banks, governments, and corporate organizations. Our solutions and services simplify complex processes, boost efficiency, and enable better decision-making. We build long-term partnerships with our clients, helping transform their businesses for sustained success through continuous innovation. For more information, visit https://iongroup.com/

About ION Analytics

ION Analytics delivers personalized, targeted data and market intelligence to banks, investors, and corporates, helping clients find opportunities and drive better decisions in markets ranging from equities and fixed income to infrastructure and private equity. The ION Analytics platform brings together six unique, powerful services that span global markets making ION Analytics the only choice for capital markets professionals. For more information, visit https://iongroup.com/analytics/

About Mergermarket

Mergermarket is the premier provider of global proprietary M&A intelligence, data, and predictive analytics. With access to coverage of 1.4 million companies, almost 3,000 sponsors, and powered by 300 journalists and analysts globally, we bring transformative M&A insight and a competitive edge to capital markets professionals, shaping the future of M&A. For more information, visit https://info.mergermarket.com/

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

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SOURCE ION

Technology

VPN Proxy Master Leads the 2024 VPN Market with New Features and Holiday Deals

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

SINGAPORE, Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As the demand for online privacy reaches unprecedented levels, the global VPN market has seen a remarkable surge of over 30% in 2024. Addressing this growing need for secure and unrestricted internet access, VPN Proxy Master, a trusted name in network security, has introduced significant updates and exclusive offers to empower users worldwide.

A Growing Need for Privacy: VPN Market Trends in 2024

With increasing concerns over cybersecurity, the VPN market has become essential for professionals and everyday users alike. The growth in 2024 has been driven by heightened awareness of data privacy, as cyber threats and public Wi-Fi risks make secure browsing a top priority.

VPN Proxy Master continues to lead the charge in the cyber security space, offering cutting-edge security features that protect users from various online vulnerabilities. From securing sensitive work documents to maintaining anonymity while streaming, VPN Proxy Master is designed to meet the diverse needs of its growing user base.

Enhanced Features for Windows Users

One of VPN Proxy Master’s most exciting updates for 2024 is the introduction of seven free server options for Windows users, expanding access far beyond the single US-based server previously available. This feature ensures a smoother and more flexible browsing experience, allowing users to choose the best connection for their location and needs.

“Our goal has always been to provide users with unparalleled convenience and security,” says a VPN Proxy Master spokesperson. “This update is part of our commitment to creating a user-friendly platform that exceeds expectations.”

Why Users Choose VPN Proxy Master

With over 6,000 fully encrypted servers worldwide, VPN Proxy Master has become a preferred choice for professionals and individuals seeking secure online solutions. The platform’s top features include:

100% No-Log Policy: User activity is never tracked or storedAES 256-Bit Encryption: The highest standard of online securityMulti-Device Coverage: Protect up to six devices simultaneouslyExceptional User Reviews: High ratings from satisfied customersLightning-Fast Connections: Optimised servers ensure speed without compromise

Users Are Empowering Online Freedom

Across the globe, VPN Proxy Master users are benefiting from its powerful features.

Jonathan, a frequent traveler from the US, shares: “I rely on VPN Proxy Master to access work files securely when I’m on public Wi-Fi. It’s fast, reliable, and keeps my data safe.”Sophie, a digital nomad from the UK, adds: “Online privacy is non-negotiable for me. VPN Proxy Master ensures I can browse and work securely, no matter where I am.”

These testimonials illustrate how VPN Proxy Master not only protects users but also enhances their productivity and peace of mind.

Celebrate the Holidays with a Special Christmas Offer

As a token of appreciation for its loyal users, VPN Proxy Master is introducing an exclusive Christmas promotion. From now until January 2, 2025, customers purchasing a VPN subscription will receive an additional three months of service free. This limited-time offer provides an excellent opportunity for users to safeguard their online activities during the festive season and into the new year.

The Most Secure Global VPN for Professionals

VPN Proxy Master’s dedication to innovation and user-focused solutions has cemented its position as a leader in the industry. With a no-log policy, AES 256-bit encryption, and multi-device support, the platform is designed for users who value privacy, efficiency, and reliability.

Join the VPN Proxy Master Community

The company’s mission is to make the Internet a safer and more accessible space for all. Whether you’re a professional protecting sensitive work data, a student seeking unrestricted access to resources, or a family looking to enhance online safety, VPN Proxy Master has the right solution for you.

To learn more about VPN Proxy Master, explore its features, or take advantage of the Christmas promotion, visit the official website at vpnproxymaster.com or follow our X account: https://x.com/VPNProxyMaster_ for the latest updates and offers.

About VPN Proxy Master
VPN Proxy Master is a flagship product of Lemon Clove Pte. Limited, committed to delivering advanced VPN technology to users worldwide. With an emphasis on privacy, security, and reliability, the platform empowers users to take control of their digital experiences in an increasingly connected world.

For inquiries, please contact:
Email: support@vpnproxymaster.com

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of online security with VPN Proxy Master—where privacy and performance meet.

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SOURCE VPN Proxy Master

Technology

Goldpac Wins the 2024 KPMG China Corporate Governance Pioneers Award

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

HONG KONG, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, KPMG China announced the winners of the Second KPMG ESG 50 Awards • 2024. Goldpac was awarded with the Corporate Governance Pioneers with its outstanding performance in terms of governance structures, decision-making mechanisms, internal control, information disclosure, protection of shareholders’ equity, etc.

As the leading fintech enterprise around the globe, Goldpac has always maintained good profitability since its listing, and has achieved a total revenue of RMB 16.1 billion and a total profit of RMB 1.9 billion, remaining leading profitability in the industry. While committing itself to steady growth, Goldpac also maintains an active and stable dividend policy to actively return to its shareholders.

At the same time, Goldpac attaches great importance on technology development and sustainable growth. Riding the wave of global digitalisation, Goldpac is accelerating the promotion of its digital and platform-based strategy, using the UMV platform that integrates cutting-edge technologies such as AI and big data to build an innovative ecosystem of secure payment chain with upstream and downstream industry participants. Moreover, Goldpac also continues to promote the expansion of secure payment chips into multiple fields, broadening its service territory.

Goldpac always combines its business operations with the co-development of the environment and the society, and has established an effective ESG governance system covering ESG objectives such as energy saving and emission reduction, promotion of green and low-carbon products, green procurement, digital construction, competitiveness and profitability.

Regarding the protection of shareholders’ equity, Goldpac adopts sufficient and effective information disclosure and market communication strategies to maintain good transparency, which is acknowledged by the capital market. Therefore, Goldpac was awarded with many honors like the “Best Shareholder Return Listed Company”, the “Most Social Responsible Listed Company” , building a sustainable internal and external ecology.

In recent years, ESG practices have become one of the key elements for corporate value realisation and resilient growth. Looking ahead, Goldpac will adhere to the global ESG development trend, give full play to its advantages in financial technology, and continuously improve its digital competitiveness to promote sustainable economic and social development.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/goldpac-wins-the-2024-kpmg-china-corporate-governance-pioneers-award-302337109.html

SOURCE Goldpac Group

Technology

JA Solar and Huawei Collaborate with UNESCO and Thailand’s Ministry of Education to Advance Green Education

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

BEIJING, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — JA Solar, a global leader in the PV industry, recently joined forces with Huawei, UNESCO, and Thailand’s Ministry of Education to launch a green education initiative at the Banna District Learning Encouragement Center in Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand. The project aims to provide clean energy solutions and digital education opportunities to 11 schools and community centers, fostering a new generation equipped with green skills and digital literacy.

As a key component of this initiative, JA Solar donated its high-efficiency n-type PV modules, DeepBlue 4.0 Pro, to schools, deeply engaging in the construction of a green school education system by installing solar PV and energy storage equipment in multiple middle schools, and providing training on the application and management of green energy for teachers and students to help them understand the practical value of clean energy. DeepBlue 4.0 Pro, renowned for its high conversion efficiency and high reliability, enabling schools to achieve a sustainable clean energy supply.

Moreover, JA Solar is committed to enhancing vocational education by helping schools establish dedicated training bases for solar PV system installation. Through comprehensive practical courses, students gain vital skills in installation, maintenance, and operation of PV systems, preparing them for future careers in the burgeoning renewable energy sector.

One of the project’s first implementation sites, Kanchanapisek Vocational Training College, is integrating the donated solar PV system into its teaching curriculum. Students benefit from simulated real-world installation and maintenance scenarios, gaining key employability skills. Meanwhile, at the Banna District Learning Encouragement Center, JA Solar and its partners installed solar energy storage systems for the community library and learning center. In addition, a “Digital Bus” was introduced to offer mobile digital education, providing free training on telecommunications, cybercrime awareness, and green energy to local residents and students. These efforts not only improve the community’s energy efficiency but also create valuable learning and development opportunities.

With plans to extend this program to additional schools and communities, JA Solar and its partners aim to maximize the dual benefits of green energy and digital education, contributing significantly to sustainable development in Thailand and globally.

“We are honored to contribute to Thailand’s green education project,” said Aiqing Yang, Executive President of JA Solar. “Upholding our mission of ‘Developing Solar Power to Benefit the Planet,’ this initiative not only accelerates Thailand’s energy transition but also empowers students with practical knowledge to build a sustainable future. Looking ahead, JA Solar will continue to deliver green energy solutions and educational resources to more regions, advancing together toward a low-carbon, sustainable future.”

SOURCE JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd.