Monthly Canadian M&A Report

Month Ended October 31, 2022

MARKET UPDATE

Two-hundred and fifty-eight M&A transactions closed last month. Year-to-date M&A activity is down 20.4% versus 2021. Capital levels in North America remain elevated, with $2.8 trillion (USD) of cash on corporate balance sheets and approximately $1.2 trillion (USD) of private equity dry powder, while public equity valuations are recovering.

VALITAS INSIGHTS

Managing the Due Diligence Grind. That dollar figure, whether written on a napkin over coffee, or floated in a conversation is not a binding offer. Any potential acquirer will need to conduct a due diligence investigation before they can enter into a definitive agreement to buy your business. Initial indications can be tactically inflated to ensure the acquirer gains access to your confidential information after which this price is systematically reduced, citing negative findings during due diligence.