Insights
Statistical analysis and insight into activity and trends in M&A and capital markets.
Recent Investment Banking Insights
Leveraged Finance: 2021 in Review
Debt financing experienced powerful momentum in 2021 as deal volume hit an all-time high and new financing options emerged. William Blair’s Leveraged Finance Group reviews the key themes that drove debt financing markets in 2021.
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Dealmaking Amid America's Water Dilemma
The United States has a problem with water. Water supply shortages and aging infrastructure have led to a critical need for upgrades, repairs, and entirely new water systems. This has created a rich M&A environment for companies that can solve America’s most pressing water issues.
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Packaging Industry M&A Activity Surges Amid Strong Tailwinds
M&A activity in the packaging industry has surged during the first three quarters of 2021. The industry showed resiliency during the pandemic, with accelerating growth and stable cash flows.
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Record-Breaking M&A Activity Drives Robust Quarter in Leveraged Finance
Borrower-friendly market conditions strengthened in the third quarter as demand for leveraged loans remained at all-time highs.
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Food For Thought: Food Brands and Manufacturers Rethink Pricing and Product Strategy as Input Costs Rise
Rising input prices and supply chain disruptions are forcing retailers and manufacturers across food and beverage to adjust their pricing strategies. In this issue of Food For Thought, we examine the extent to which these issues are squeezing manufacturers’ and retailers’ margins—or being passed on to consumers.
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WasteExpo 2021: Conference Highlights the Growing Role for Sustainability and Technology
At this year’s WasteExpo conference in Las Vegas, trends related to sustainability, digitalization, and rising regulatory and inflationary pressures dominated conversations. We examine these trends and how they are shaping the dealmaking landscape in the waste management industry.
Read moreRed-Hot M&A Market Fuels Another Big Quarter in Leveraged Finance
Demand for leveraged loans remained extremely strong during the second quarter, with market conditions shifting further in borrowers’ favor.
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Treats and Supplements Emerge as Attractive Categories on the Periphery of the Pet Food Bowl
While pet food has garnered the most attention, treats and supplements present the most compelling opportunities for investors and acquirers to tap into the pet industry’s strong growth trends.
Read moreLeveraged Finance Market Bursts Out of the Gate in 2021 with Record-Setting First Quarter
Debt markets were hitting on all cylinders, supported by favorable technical tailwinds and pent-up demand from both borrowers and investors.
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Demographic- and Pandemic-Related Trends Fuel Demand for Home Services
As more Americans invest in their homes, our survey reveals insights about how shifting consumer attitudes and behaviors are creating new opportunities for residential service, remodeling, and repair providers.
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William Blair FinTech: 2020 in Review
The push toward automation, digitalization, and predictive analytics across all aspects of financial services gained momentum during the pandemic. This has set the stage for what should be an incredibly active year in 2021 in terms of consolidation and capital raising.
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