Report

M&A insights for 2024

In the latest edition of M&A Insights, we explore the themes we expect to shape deal-making over the next 12 months.

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Read Time
8 mins
Published Date
Apr 9, 2024
Our look-ahead to M&A in 2024 focuses on four themes. First, we examine the growing interest among financial sponsors in acquiring proprietary data sets from which they can create their own AI-driven businesses. Next, we ask whether we might see an uptick in European public takeovers, and assess the likelihood of deal activity among asset managers. Finally, our team reveals the factors that could drive more life sciences M&A in the months to come.
Summary

Financial sponsors are targeting proprietary data sets that can be used to customize pre-trained AI models, but must be wary of the resulting data privacy, IP and regulatory risks.

Listed and private asset managers are seeking acquisitions of smaller rivals and specialist boutiques to build assets under management (AUM) and expand their strategic focus. When executing deals, they need to consider how changes in control can impact capital redemptions and retention of star managers, or trigger regulatory challenges. 

Faced with a significant “patent cliff” and following a series of completed blockbuster M&A deals as well as a more hostile antitrust environment, the next wave of deal activity in life sciences is set to center on big players bidding for biotechs and mid-tier companies.

Meet the authors

This report was developed by lawyers across our global network with leadership roles in corporate, IP, data and artificial intelligence, M&A, funds and asset management, and employment, compensation and benefits. You can read about their expertise below.