Investment Banking

Statistical analysis and insight into activity and trends in M&A and capital markets.

Our investment bankers publish timely updates on activity and trends in the advisory and financing markets. These publications provide statistical analysis and interpretation of activity in a variety of sectors.

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M&A activity in the chemicals space remains strong, although investors are increasingly differentiating between cyclical and noncyclical assets. Competition from financial sponsors has intensified as strategic buyers position for further dealmaking.

Positive market dynamics in the commercial, cargo, and defense aerospace markets are creating new opportunities for independent maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies.

Insurance services companies have seen a surge in M&A activity driven by strong top-line growth across the industry, acquirers’ increased appetite for defensive assets, the growing adoption of technology-enabled solutions, and industry dynamics that are leading to a consolidation wave.

As the amount of capital available to fund growth strategies and liquidity events for owners of firms that provide consulting, technology implementation, outsourcing, and other professional services grows, we examine the value drivers and unique considerations that leaders of professional services firms must take into account when preparing for a successful transaction. 

Against a challenging global backdrop, the leveraged finance market turned in a solid third quarter, as both borrowers and lenders found ways to be aggressive. Although volume remained strong, overall market sentiment is beginning to trend in lenders’ favor.

IPO activity hit a speedbump in the third quarter, as 33 offerings priced, raising $10.4 billion. Headlines spurred market volatility and prompted caution among investors. Despite these headwinds, market conditions remain positive, as highly accommodative U.S. and global economic policies continue to stimulate growth and investor risk appetite, yet the potential for ongoing bouts of volatility remains.

In addition to the growing attractiveness of noncyclical end-markets, the influx of private capital into packaging has resulted in fewer publicly traded companies and intense competition for platform assets. William Blair has completed 12 packaging transactions year-to-date.

Beyond Meat’s headline-grabbing IPO is just one example of how plant-based alternatives are poised to grab market share and reshape the food and beverage industry.

The technological advancements that are powering the advent of fully connected, “smart” factories have also caused capabilities and business models to converge throughout the industrial technology sector. These convergence trends are shaping the strategic roadmaps and acquisition strategies of companies throughout the industrial technology sector.

Rapid advancements in cell and gene therapies are increasing demand for outsourced drug manufacturing—and opportunities for financial sponsors to invest in this high-growth segment of the broader biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals sector.

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