Malaysia’s financial services sector saw 31 M&A worth US$1.63b in 2021
KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) — Mergers and acquisition (M&A) activities in Malaysia rebounded in 2021 after a minor slump in the preceding year, with a total of 31 disclosed transactions worth US$1.63 billion recorded, said KPMG Malaysia.
It said that since the pandemic, Malaysia’s business landscape has undergone significant changes as businesses sought to re-examine and optimise their corporate portfolios in the pursuit of growth and recovery.
Head of advisory, Chan Siew Mei said M&A activities increased across all sectors in 2021 due to delayed closings and stronger investor confidence.
“We anticipate this momentum to continue through 2022 even as Malaysia transitions towards the endemic phase beginning April 1,’’ she said in a statement today.
Recent high-value transactions include the US$367 million (US$1=RM4.21) deal in the asset management subsector, where Affin Bank Bhd agreed to transfer its controlling stake in Affin Hwang Asset Management Bhd to Luxembourg-based private equity fund, CVC Capital Partners.
“This continued interest could bode well for unit trust funds and Islamic funds, both of which have seen significant growth in the market,’’ she said.
We have already seen some notable M&A deals to date within the FS sector, and we can expect discerning businesses to seize further M&A opportunities within this sector.
“Investors are more confident now in planning for the long-term, and we anticipate more exciting prospects will arise in the years to come,’’ said Chan.
— BERNAMA
