Despite M&A deal volume across emerging Europe[i] being at its lowest level in a decade, CEE remains a magnet for international and private equity investment. These are among the findings in the latest CMS Emerging Europe M&A report, published today in cooperation with EMIS.
Emerging Europe saw a total of 1,958 deals during 2019, down 6.5% on 2018, and their combined value came in at EUR 72.34bn (-10.1%). However, looking at the five-year average, the region remains relatively stable, with strong activity seen across many segments of the market.
Driven by the growth of e-commerce, which has increased the demand for warehouses and distribution centers, the Real Estate & Construction sector remained the most active sector in Emerging Europe in 2019, with 378 deals worth EUR 16.6bn.
Slovakia witnessed an increase in deal activity (up by 9.3%) to 59 transactions, the highest since 2015. Reported total deal value significantly increased, although there was a decrease in average deal value. Overall the indications are that there is a growing volume of assets on sale and a continued strong interest of investors to do deals in the Slovakia.
[i] Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine.