According to S&P Global, APAC M&A activity in Q1 2022 retreated from 2021’s highs, with deal value for the quarter ending at $73.8B, a decline of 44% QoQ, or 18% YoY. In Q1 2022, Australia (US$15 billion) led the region by transaction value, followed by China (US$12.5 bn) and Hong Kong (US$11.4 bn). The financial services sector topped M&A activities in Q1 2022 with 14.6 billion followed by real estate (US$13.4 bn) and communications (US$9.2 bn).

To understand what’s driving M&A activities, we are joined by Yew Poh Mak, EY Asia-Pacific Strategy and Transactions Leader, to talk about the what, why and how CFOs should be involved in an organisation’s M&A initiative.

1.       Give us a quick recap of the M&A landscape in Asia-Pacific from 2020 to today? 

2.       What new things have M&A teams learned since then?

a.       Digital transformation, ESG (new energy, overall),  

3.       Given all the concerns of the business – rising inflation, slowing economies, socio-political instability, and the rising importance of ESG – how do you see M&A shifting in 2023? 

4.       Is pursuing M&A for the purpose of growing a sustainable strategy? If not growth, what should be the strategic purpose of M&A? [2 mins] – New M&A to transform 

5.       How has the involvement of CFOs in M&A activities changed since the pandemic?

6.       With the CFO to-do list expanding, how should CFOs evolve their work habits to fulfil the expectations placed on them while remaining effective on the table stakes responsibilities and emerging roles in activities like M&A and ESG?

a.       In other words, how can the CFO achieve all of what is expected of the role without dropping the ball?