M&A activities targeting Southeast Asia (SEA) so far this year have reached $53.5 billion in 290 deals, increasing in value by 23.1 per cent compared to the same period of 2016.

 This is the second-highest value in the first three quarters of a year, according to Mergermarket data. In Vietnam, there were 37 deals in the period worth $1.218 billion.

“Vietnam’s back on the radar for investors,” said Mergermarket’s SEA Office Chief Riddhima Saxena. “Consumer, healthcare, and education continue to be attractive given the population and growing consumption demand. The most active investors remain Japan and South Korea.”

“Private equity firms are also showing interest across the board,” she went on. “Education in particular has been active and shows a strong pipeline of deals. Earlier this year, the Vietnam Australia International School was acquired by the US-based TPG Capital. Similarly, English language training services company ILA Vietnam was acquired by Swedish private equity firm EQT.”

There were 97 deals worth $26.7 billion in Southeast Asia during the third quarter, an 81.8 per cent rise in value compared to the same period of 2016. Three of the region’s top five deals ever were logged in the third quarter: Global Logistic Properties’ $15.9 billion take over, Grab’s $2 billion acquisition, and the acquisition of 47.5 per cent stake in Energy Development Corporation for $1.3 billion.

The internet/e-commerce sector is spurring strong deal growth, seeing 13 deals worth $5.3 billion this year, or nearly four-times more in value than in the same period last year.

Mergermarket is an Acuris company. In M&A, information is the most valuable currency. Mergermarket reports on deals 6-24 months before they become public knowledge. With the largest network of dedicated M&A journalists and analysts, Mergermarket offers the most comprehensive M&A intelligence service available today. Mergermarket’s reporters are based in 67 locations across the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.

VN Economic Times