news release

Experian M&A data reveals decrease in value and volume of deals

Strong performance in technology, software and pharmaceuticals sectors

Dublin, 25 April 2013 — Experian®, the global information services company, today released its latest M&A (mergers and acquisitions) and ECM (flotations, rights issues and placements) data, which shows that both the value and the volume of deals in the Republic of Ireland has decreased in the first quarter of 2013.

The value of transactions has decreased by 34.49 per cent and the volume of deals shows a decline of 54.02 per cent when compared with the same period last year.

Republic of Ireland highlights  

• During Q1 2013, there were 40 transactions announced in the Republic of Ireland, compared to Q1 2012 in which there were a total of 87 deals.
• The value of transactions in the Republic of Ireland has decreased from €7.41billion in the first quarter of 2012 to €4.855billion in Q1 2013.
• The most active sectors for M&A in Q1 2013 were Information Technology and Pharmaceutical & Chemical Manufacturing, each with slightly under 20 per cent of all transactions. The Pharmaceutical & Chemical sector was also the most valuable sector, with deals worth approximately €3.06billion, followed by Insurance, with €1.3billion.
• The Republic of Ireland represented approximately 1.9per cent of the total volume of all European transactions and 3.9per cent of their total value.
• Bank of America Merrill Lynch was the most active financial advisor in Q1 2013, with two transactions, while Matheson topped the league table for legal advisors by volume, with four assists.

Wendy Driver, Business Development Manager at Experian Corpfin, said: “Mirroring a Europe-wide trend, overall deal activity in Ireland dipped in the first quarter of 2013 after a relatively brisk 2012. However, there was strong performance in the Republic’s burgeoning technology, software and pharmaceuticals sectors, which look likely to continue to provide the bulk of M&A activity as we move into the second quarter”.

Deal size analysis for the Republic of Ireland
Large deals (Over €120million*)

• There were five large deals announced in Q1 2012, marginally down from the six transactions recorded for Q1 2012.
• The aggregate value of large deals was down by 32.6per cent, from €6.872billion in Q1 2012 to €4.63billion in Q1 2013.

Mid-market deals (€12-€120million*)

• Deal volume in the mid-market segment in Q1 2013 decreased to five deals, from 12 announced in Q1 2012.
• Values declined to €202million in Q1 2013 – representing a fall of 56.3% over deals worth €463million in Q1 2012. 

Small deals (under €12m*)

• Deal flow in the small market value segment fell from 15 transactions in Q1 2012 to seven transactions for Q1 2013, a decline of 53.3 per cent.
• Similarly the aggregate value of deals saw a 70.4 per cent decline; there were €22million worth of small transactions in Q1 2013, down from €75million in Q1 2012.

 
For further information please contact:

Julie Dilger
MKC
E: julie@mkc.ie

Notes to editors

*Where consideration disclosed

Deal information is based on transactions announced between 1st January and 31st March, 2013. Target, bidder or parent of either party must be located in the region which is analysed in order to be included. The deal value of transactions covered in this report is £500,000 or above. Deal activity analysis referring to deal values is based on disclosed actual figures only.

About Experian
Experian is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients around the world. The Group helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft.

Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended 31 March 2012 was US$4.5 billion. Experian employs approximately 17,000 people in 44 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and São Paulo, Brazil.

For more information, visit http://www.experianplc.com. Or http://www.experian.ie