The Romanian mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market recorded 124 transactions in the first half (H1) of 2024, with a total estimated value of USD 2.3 billion, down 6% in volume compared to the 132 transactions, estimated at USD 3.7 billion, recorded in the similar period of 2023, according to an analysis by EY Romania sent on Friday.However, the specialists say, the value of the M&A market remained largely stable, if the acquisition of Enel Group's Romanian operations by the Greek company Public Power Corporation for USD 1.3 billion, the only mega-deal in the first half of 2023, is not taken into account.In addition, the transaction value was not disclosed for 79% of transactions announced in H1 2024, compared to the historical average of 65% observed since 2018.The most active sectors by deal volume were Real Estate, Hospitality & Construction (23 deals), Energy & Utilities (21 deals) and Consumer Products & Retail (20 deals), followed by Health Care and Technology, each recording 11 deals. In the first half of 2024, there were only two transactions with disclosed value exceeding USD 100 million, down from the five recorded in 2023.In terms of country of origin, the most active investors came from the US - historically the most active investor (10 deals), Austria (8 deals), Germany (7), France and Poland (4 deals each), followed by Italy and the Netherlands, both with 3 deals each.Compared with the second half of 2023, the volume of M&A transactions in Romania increased by 13.8% in the first six months of 2024, while the decrease in this period compared with the same period last year reflects the global trend.According to the analysis, strategic investors maintained their dominant position in the Romanian M&A market in the first half of 2024, accounting for 93% of transaction volume, although they announced the same number of deals as in the first half of 2023 (115).The three largest transactions in the first half were: the sale of OTP Bank's Romanian operations to Banca Transilvania, the country's largest bank, for USD 375 million; the acquisition of five industrial parks by CTP, Europe's largest publicly listed developer of industrial and logistics properties in Europe, from Globalworth Real Estate Investments' full logistics portfolio, for approximately USD 184 million; the sale of the 80 MW Mihai Viteazu wind farm by Spanish renewable energy company Iberdrola to Premier Energy for an estimated USD 94 million. The deal marked Iberdrola's withdrawal from the Romanian market.
Chinese bamboo products manufacturer Long Bamboo Technology Group Co., a supplier to Swedish retailer IKEA, has entered the Romanian market to establish a furniture production facility, Profit.ro reported on May 8. The company, headquartered in Hong Kong and with manufacturing...
The Mangalia shipyard in Romania is resuming operations gradually following its entry into insolvency in 2024 after Dutch shipbuilding group Damen withdrew from the joint venture. The shipyard's management has introduced measures to stabilize finances and revive activity, with employee salaries to be paid in phased installments,
The Belgian manufacturer of metal roofing systems Metigla, with a factory in Ceptura, Prahova County, announced a EUR 15 million investment plan in expanding production, automation, and employees. "In 2025, we will consolidate our presence in key markets and gradually expand this model to more European countries. We invest in sustainable products, automation, teams, and […]
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD officially launched operations in Romania, introducing its full-electric and plug-in hybrid models to the local market, Economica reported on May 8. The move is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand across Europe. BYD’s initial retail presence includes showrooms in...
The local currency kept losing ground on May 9 despite reported interventions by the central bank. The interest rates rose, and the Stock Exchange’s indices resumed the decline on May 9 after a modest gain on the previous day. The development suggests a drain on liquidity from the money market, possibly amid hybrid interventions by […]
Ilie Bolojan, the interim president of Romania, has sent his "warmest congratulations" to Pope Leo XIV in a message posted on X. "Warmest congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV upon the election to the Chair of Saint Peter. May he have a long reign and guide the faithful all over the world with wisdom […]
