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M&A market poised for a comeback in 2025 as headwinds ease, finds Bain & Company

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–  Technology disruption, post-globalization, and shifting profit pools will drive dealmaking in the year ahead as interest rates and regulatory challenges are likely to recede
–  A Bain survey found one in three M&A practitioners will be using generative AI in dealmaking by the end of the year
–  Bain predicts generative AI will enable every step of the M&A process in the next five years

NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — After three years of underwhelming M&A activity, 2025 may finally be the year the M&A market breaks through. In its Global M&A Report 2025, published today, Bain & Company says it expects the two biggest inhibitors to recent deals—interest rates and regulatory challenges—will ease in 2025. M&A and divestitures will be critical tools for companies navigating shifting profit pools amid technology disruption and a post-globalization economy, the firm says.

“M&A activity tends to be cyclical, and we believe the market is poised for an upturn,” said Les Baird, partner at Bain & Company and head of the firm’s global M&A and Divestitures practice. “While we saw a modest recovery last year, deal value remains historically low as a percentage of global GDP as headwinds have stifled dealmaking for the past three years. Even throughout the slow period, the best companies have persisted, learning how to navigate unfavorable market realities to deliver inorganic growth. Now, as headwinds become less acute, more companies will join those that have learned how to adapt.”

Forces behind the upswing
Intrinsic demand for deals remains high, even if activity is still muted today, Bain says. M&A is central to business strategy as companies seek pathways to grow as they balance risk and reward during a period of uneven economic outlooks, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. And financial sponsors are eager to put money to work, too.

Moreover, the pipeline of supply has been building. Everyone, from corporates refocusing their strategies to private equity and venture capital firms pressured to provide liquidity, seems to have at least a few assets that they wish to sell once the market comes back and valuations rise.

Meanwhile, new administrations in the EU and US are ushering more openness to M&A. In 2025, strategic dealmakers will look beyond near-term swings in market momentum to find the right deals to be competitive, profitable, and enable sustainable growth.

Technology disruption is the long-term shift that will result in the most strategic transformation and M&A in the years ahead. Generative AI/AI, automation, renewable energy, and quantum computing are just a few of the technologies that companies will need to build or buy to maintain competitive offerings and cost positions. Tech and non-tech companies alike will continue to have voracious appetites for tech deals to retool their businesses.

Post-globalization and shifting profit pools will also continue to drive deals, as executives reevaluate their global footprints to ensure access to attractive end markets and security of supply while adapting their strategies toward shifting profit pools of all types.

Generative AI in M&A
Bain’s survey of more than 300 M&A practitioners found 21% are currently using generative AI for M&A—up from 16% a year ago—and one in three expect to be using it by the end of the year. Bain’s research shows even higher rates of adoption among the most acquisitive corporates and private equity firms.

While the most common use cases currently revolve around finding and validating deals, Bain expects every single step of the M&A process will be enabled by generative AI in the next five years.

“Generative AI will have a profound impact on the way deals get done,” said Suzanne Kumar, executive vice president of Bain & Company’s global M&A and Divestitures practice. “Early adopters are gaining an advantage by getting to better insights faster. Late followers will be outbid for good deals and find themselves staying too long in processes for bad deals. The good news is that it’s not too late to get in the game – yet.”

In addition to relying on generative AI–enabled tools to accelerate sourcing, screening, and diligence, early adopters have started experimenting with the technology for integration and divestiture planning as well as program management. Within the next 12 months, Bain expects early adopters will use generative AI tools to draft integration workplans and transition service agreements (TSAs) in less than 20% of the time than they previously spent on such activities. The wave after that will involve using generative AI tools to access specific company data to help size realistic cost and revenue synergies and to craft value creation plans based on the prior performance of their acquisitions.

Industry perspectives
Bain & Company’s report explores trends in strategic M&A across 12 industries and 10 regions, including:

Consumer products: Despite a few large acquisitions, consumer products deal value dropped by 19% in 2024. Many are continuing to evaluate and divest low-growth and noncore parts of their portfolios. Bain’s survey found 60% of consumer products executives expect to sell assets over the next three years. They listed stakeholder support, tax implications, and availability of buyers as the top three most important factors in deciding to divest.Energy & natural resources: Oil and gas companies enjoyed a wave of consolidation in 2024, and chemicals companies reshaped portfolios. The energy sector engaged in more than $400 billion in deals, a three-year record. The companies executing the largest deals are getting more synergies from their dealmaking, and they’re achieving those synergies more quickly: run-rate synergy value has increased while realization timeline has decreased in recent years.Financial services: Technology, regulation, and shifting customer demands conspired to drive executives in the financial services arena back into the M&A market during 2024. Total deal value in the financial services market grew to $309 billion in 2024, with banking and finance accounting for the largest share of deals, and cards and payments representing the biggest growth. Bain expects momentum to continue as banks acquire for scale leadership, insurers refocus on core lines of business, and fraud prevention and identity verification are hot areas for acquisitions in payments.Media & entertainment: Big tech’s push into media and gaming has led traditional media companies to consolidate to build scale within their core business as a way to compete. They are also using scope deals to expand across sectors. In 2024, more than half of media and entertainment M&A involved either a target or acquirer outside of the industry.Retail: Despite enhanced regulatory oversight, the retail industry saw a rebound in M&A value and volume in 2024, with headlines dominated by one megadeal. And retail practitioners show no sign of letting up on dealmaking—Bain’s survey found 75% expect to continue both the same number and size of deals in 2025.

Editor’s note: To arrange an interview or for any questions, please contact:

Katie Ware (New York) — Email: katie.ware@bain.comGary Duncan (London) — Email: gary.duncan@bain.comAnn Lee (Singapore) — Email: ann.lee@bain.com

About Bain & Company

Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world’s most ambitious change makers define the future.

Across 65 cities in 40 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition, and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster, and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise, and insight to organizations tackling today’s urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development, and the environment. We earned a platinum rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social, and ethical performance ratings for global supply chains, putting us in the top 1% of all companies. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry.

 

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SOURCE Bain & Company

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Prime Biome Warns Consumers About Unauthorized Sellers and Ensures Commitment to Product Authenticity

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NEW YORK, March 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The official brand behind Prime Biome, a product developed under Bioventra’s portfolio of advanced formulations, has issued a public advisory regarding unauthorized third-party resellers misrepresenting the product online. Reports indicate that unverified vendors online have been listing non-official versions of Prime Biome across various platforms, leading to confusion among consumers.

The official Prime Biome brand has been receiving complaints from individuals who unknowingly made purchases from unverified sources, later realizing discrepancies in packaging, labeling, and ingredient details. This has raised concerns about product authenticity and integrity, as the formulation was developed exclusively under Bioventra’s stringent quality standards.

In response to these growing Prime Biome concerns, the company has issued an official statement emphasizing the importance of ordering from the official verified source only to ensure authenticity and product safety.

Unverified Resellers Causing Widespread Confusion

In recent weeks, multiple consumer reports have highlighted the increasing prevalence of unauthorized sellers listing Prime Biome outside of the brand’s verified distribution channels. This industry has faced similar challenges, with third-party vendors presenting themselves as legitimate sources while listing products that may not reflect official formulations.

The official Prime Biome team has been actively monitoring unauthorized listings and is committed to raising awareness about the potential risks associated with purchasing Prime Biome from unknown third-party vendors.

While some unauthorized sellers may claim to offer genuine Prime Biome, discrepancies in packaging, ingredient details, and overall product presentation have raised concerns. Consumers have reported receiving products that appear different from official branding, while others have struggled with Prime Biome returns and refund processes due to unclear seller policies.

Customer Complaints Highlight Need for Greater Awareness

Consumer reports received by the official Prime Biome brand have included concerns such as:

Product inconsistencies – Customers noted that labeling, logo placement, or product descriptions did not match official representations.Ingredient discrepancies – Since Prime Biome contains a proprietary blend of probiotics and botanical extracts, there have been concerns about whether third-party listings contain the expected formula.Unclear storage conditions – Prime Biome consumers have questioned whether unauthorized sellers store and handle the product correctly, as dietary supplements require specific conditions to maintain quality.Limited customer support – Many individuals who purchased Prime Biome from non-official sources reported that customer service inquiries went unanswered, leaving them unable to seek refunds or verify authenticity.

A spokesperson for the Prime Biome line commented:

“We take product integrity seriously and are committed to ensuring that consumers receive only authentic formulations. Unfortunately, unauthorized sellers sometimes misrepresent products, leading to confusion. We encourage Prime Biome customers to remain vigilant when verifying sources.”

The Rise of Unauthorized Third-Party Sellers

Unauthorized supplement resellers have become a growing issue across various e-commerce platforms, social media marketplaces, and third-party retail websites. Many third-party Prime Biome sellers attempt to capitalize on consumer demand, sometimes offering deep discounts or listing products in ways that do not align with official brand communications.

This trend has led to several industry-wide concerns, including:

Unverified product origins – Some Prime Biome sellers source products through unauthorized means, making it difficult for consumers to determine where and how the product was handled before purchase.Potential product substitutions – Some third-party vendors list a product under the Prime Biome name but ship alternative formulations or lookalike substitutes instead.Misleading discount strategies – Some resellers attempt to lure in customers with extremely low prices, which can indicate unverified stock or repackaged items.

While Prime Biome‘s official brand is actively monitoring unauthorized sales, the company emphasizes that consumers should take proactive steps to avoid misleading listings.

How Consumers Can Identify Official Product Sources

Consumers can take several steps to avoid misleading third-party listings and ensure they are purchasing authentic products. It is important to examine product details carefully, checking for inconsistencies in labeling, packaging, or branding that may indicate a non-official version. Prime Biome Pricing should also be reviewed with caution, as significantly lower prices than usual may suggest an unauthorized seller. Verifying the legitimacy of the seller by researching whether they are recognized as an authorized distributor can help prevent confusion. Lastly, consumers are encouraged to confirm product details through official channels to ensure accuracy and authenticity.

Company Response & Consumer Safety Commitment

The official Prime Biome brand has reaffirmed its commitment to consumer safety, product integrity, and transparency. With the increase in unauthorized sales, the company remains focused on educating customers about product authenticity.

“We are committed to making sure that individuals who seek out Prime Biome receive the correct formulation as originally designed. By raising awareness about misleading third-party listings, we hope to prevent unnecessary confusion and ensure a positive customer experience,” the spokesperson added.

Additionally, the company is actively monitoring third-party sales channels and taking steps to minimize unauthorized Prime Biome product listings that could misrepresent the brand.

Final Advisory for Consumers

With misleading third-party listings continuing to appear across various online marketplaces, consumers are encouraged to be diligent in verifying sources before making a purchase. The official Prime Biome brand has issued this advisory to help prevent further confusion and misinformation.

For updates regarding product authenticity and verification measures, consumers can refer to official sources.

Contact:
Bioventra, Inc.
contact@bioventra.com 
(888) 514-1489

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SOURCE Bioventra

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CHAI, A Leading Social AI Platform, Launches Creator Feed for UGAI

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CHAI, a Palo Alto-based social AI platform, launches creator feed, boasts 1M+ daily users, over $20M in revenue, and aims to deliver it’s mission of user-generated AI.

PALO ALTO, Calif., March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CHAI, a social AI platform based in Palo Alto, has launched it’s creator feed – it showcases the most popular user-generated AI, UGAI.

With more than one million daily active users and $20 million in revenue, CHAI is evolving into an app with broad, general adoption.

What is CHAI? CHAI is a social AI platform where users can create their own AI. Since its launch three years ago, CHAI has experienced significant growth, particularly among Gen Z users. Now, to support further growth and wider adoption, CHAI has redesigned its brand.

Can you use CHAI AI in a browser? As of March 2025, no. CHAI is focused on delivering the most engaging social AI experience by hiring talented engineers to refine its app. While there are currently no plans for a web app, this may change in the future.

Is CHAI AI safe? CHAI has implemented a range of safety features that allow users to engage in dynamic chats while encouraging them to stay within established guidelines. By building better AI, CHAI aims to enhance user value and experience.

What makes CHAI special? CHAI is designed to be the most engaging social AI, delivering highly entertaining conversations. Many users rely on it to craft interactive stories and immersive experiences.

Why do people love CHAI? CHAI employs advanced AI techniques to increase the entertainment value of its bots. Users chat with AI to write interactive novels and have engaging conversations, supported by a variety of genres that appeal to avid novel readers.

Sometimes regarded as the best free AI chatbot, CHAI is paving its way to widespread adoption of conversational social AI for entertainment.

Who is the founder? William Beauchamp first started building CHAI with his sister in Cambridge UK in 2020. After building the first AI chat platform they relocated to Palo Alto.

Are they hiring? CHAI is a rapidly growing company that is known for paying very high salaries with an intense culture focused on delivering results and iterating quickly. Apply on CHAI’s website.

Press Contact:

Tom Lu
+1 (626) 594-8966
https://www.chai-research.com/

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SOURCE Chai

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China on track to achieve growth target for 2025, say experts and business leaders

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BEIJING, March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

China is expected to achieve its annual growth target of around 5 percent this year and present more business opportunities for both domestic and foreign companies, with its intensified efforts to spur innovation and further boost consumption and investment, economists and business leaders said at the “CEO: Grow with China” Roundtable hosted by China Daily on Friday.

“China’s economy is right on track to meet its preset annual growth target of around 5 percent for 2025, supported by its ultra-large domestic market, strong innovation capability, as well as a string of supportive policies aimed at boosting consumption and emerging industry investment,” said Lin Shen, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences’ Institute of World Economics and Politics.

Government policies aimed at fostering innovation and developing emerging industries have been steadily implemented. Fiscal policies and other innovation-friendly measures will play a crucial role in sustaining economic growth throughout the year, Lin said.

Lin highlighted the structural shifts in the economy, where new growth drivers are replacing old ones, and stressed that new quality productive forces, including AI-powered manufacturing, have begun to take hold. “Our new quality productive forces, coupled with AI empowerment, have integrated well with the manufacturing and the real economy. There will be significant progress in application scenarios.”

“Even though there are certain geopolitical headwinds, we are still very optimistic about China’s economic prospects this year as the country’s fiscal and monetary policies go hand in hand,” said Ole Gerdau, chief operating officer at Deutsche Bank China.

According to him, consumption will be the key driver of the economy, roughly contributing to two-thirds of China’s growth this year. The trade-in program, for which funding has been doubled, is expected to have a positive impact on consumption.

Gerdau said the emergence of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is changing people’s perception about China’s innovation strength and technological advancements. “This creates a wake-up moment for the world that now might be the time to invest in China. We expect this year to be the turning point where international investors are going to shift their focuses and have a higher allocation into the Chinese market,” he said.

China is prioritizing new quality productive forces and enhancing financial services to enterprises in its economic agenda for the year, as policymakers announced recently the rollout of a raft of supportive measures aimed at creating new growth drivers for the world’s second-largest economy.

The People’s Bank of China, the country’s central bank, said late on Thursday that it will reduce the reserve requirement ratio and interest rates as appropriate based on the domestic and international economic and financial situation as well as the performance of financial markets.

The A-share benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 1.81 percent to close at 3419.56 points on Friday, while the ChiNext Index, tracking China’s Nasdaq-style board of growth enterprises, jumped 2.8 percent to close at 2226.72 points.

The National Development and Reform Commission recently announced that it would establish a national venture capital guidance fund, with the goal of enhancing, strengthening and expanding innovative enterprises. The fund is expected to attract nearly 1 trillion yuan ($138 billion) in capital from local governments and the private sector.

The participants at the roundtable emphasized that emerging sectors like artificial intelligence have great potential in China, presenting new opportunities for enterprises.

China’s AI-led innovation is also throwing up opportunities for businesses like Rolls-Royce, said Troy Wang, executive vice-president of Rolls-Royce Greater China.

“China’s focus on innovation-driven growth is making it continue to be an important country for Rolls-Royce, and it’s so much more than just a market for us,” Wang said.

“Rolls-Royce just achieved a record year in 2024 in terms of business performance and we’re confident about 2025,” he said, adding that the company is building Beijing Aero Engine Services Co Ltd, a joint venture in Beijing, into a world-leading digitally enabled aeronautical engine repair and overhaul shop.

Rani Jarkas, chairman of Cedrus Group, said that the development of AI requires a large amount of electricity, chips, and applications, and China has it all. “Technology speaks for itself,” he said.

“I think the innovation will continue and the opportunities will grow for Chinese companies going abroad and for foreign companies to come to explore the market and set up local units here,” he said.

Huang Yanxiang, co-founder and CEO of Shanghai CarbonNewture and ESG expert, said the current wave of AI-led innovation in China is transforming industries by integrating AI with manufacturing, boosting efficiency, and giving rise to new business models. For CarbonNewture, this means deeply integrating AI into its carbon accounting platforms, improving data analysis and reporting capabilities to deliver more precise and actionable insights.

The roundtable was jointly organized by China Daily Institute for Corporate Communication and China Services Information Platform.

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SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn

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