Increased cro-sector deals for tech, media and entertainment companies

--

Increased cross-sector deals for tech, media and entertainment companies --

Wed, 17 Jun 2015 10:55

--

A study of 100 senior corporate executives by global law firm Reed Smith, in partnership with Mergermarket, reveals that 84 per cent of technology, media and entertainment (TME) companies expect to see more cross-sector mergers and acquisitions (M&A) convergence deals over the next two years.

The report, entitled Wired up: The convergence of technology, media and entertainment , explains the changing M&A landscape for TME firms. This is being driven by an increasingly fierce battle fought by TME firms who are attempting to gain a competitive edge in the market. 2014 saw new levels of convergence deals amounting to US$34.5 billion, with this trend predicted to increase further.

The report reveals that cross-sector convergence varies widely across the TME sectors. Entertainment businesses are the most willing to branch out, with more than 33 per cent planning non-entertainment purchases. This willingness has the potential to put acquisitive businesses ahead, there are some potential risks involved in cross-sector acquisitions.

Gregor Pryor, Reed Smith partner and co-chair of the firm s global Entertainment and Media Industry Group, explains, One major challenge for cross-sector acquirers is understanding a new area of business. This can be a steep learning curve. If you are a big tech company, the biggest challenge is just understanding the space. Film doesn t operate in the same way as music or the same way as computer games. Companies need to learn about a new sector.

The report also shows that 57% of TME companies which are seeking growth are saying their next acquisition is likely to be outside their home market. Of those businesses in search of cross-border opportunities, 37% say they are most likely to target Asia-Pacific, followed by Western Europe (23%) and North America (17%). These expectations must be set against the need for firms to understand the political and regulatory risks in the target markets.

This desire to converge is not limited to the global giants in the industry. There has been a recent upsurge in so-called quad play deals, in which telecom providers seek to become a one-stop shop for TV, broadband, fixed and mobile telephony.

Michael Young, corporate finance partner at Reed Smith, explains, With increased cross-border convergence activity, companies must be prepared for the regulatory challenges that will result as they move from one jurisdiction to another. Local guidance, whether that be legal, commercial or financial, thorough due diligence and thoughtful deal structuring is critical to the success of these transactions.

Nick Cheek, global managing editor of Remark, the events and publications division of the Mergermarket Group, adds, In the face of aggressive and agile competition, trusted business models can no longer be relied on. For many companies, survival increasingly hinges on developing capabilities beyond their traditional core.

Related Articles

Mojo Media Solutions announces launch of Achtel s TrueBlue Filter for RED Dragon and RED Epic camerasMojo Media Solutions Pty Ltd and Achtel Pty Ltd have together launched TrueBlue , an optical filter that significantly improves separation of blue colours from unintended red contamination. Pawel Achtel MSc, has combined his skills in mathematics and optical science...

Read more...

Digital technology tools create new business opportunities in AfricaThe 5th StarTimes Digital TV Development Seminar concluded on 10 June in Beijing, with a number of technology service providers offering attendees a glimpse at the role which technological platforms and products will play in digitised Africa...

Read more...

SAs creative economy contributes R90.5bn to GDP in 2013/14SA s creative economy has contributed R90.5 billion directly to the country s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the 2013/2014 financial year...

Read more...



-- --

-- --

-- Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. comments powered by Disqus

LINK:	http://www.screenafrica.com/page/news/business/1652331-Increased-cross...
	See more stories from screenafrica

Most recent headlines