Swiss are global leaders for 2012 cross-border takeovers
SWISS corporations have taken a global lead in international acquisitions during 2012 and are responsible for 16 per cent of cross-border takeovers this year.
The relative strength of the nation’s financial sector has allowed Switzerland to surge the top of the M&A rankings, with outbound acquisitions by Swiss firms totalling $12.8bn (£8.1bn) in 36 deals so far this year – over sixteen times higher at the same point in 2011.
Switzerland’s success has pushed Japan (14 per cent of foreign takeovers by volume) and the US (10 per cent) into second and third place respectively, according to information from data provider Dealogic.
Several major deals have helped Switzerland hit such heights, led by Roche Holding’s $5.8bn bid for Illumina, which is being resisted by the US company.
Other major deals include ABB’s intended takeover $4bn of Thomas & Betts and Temenos’ $1.9bn bid for British technology firm Misys.
A major beneficiary has been Credit Suisse, who advised on $10.4bn of the deals.
Total Swiss acquisition volume is at $61.2bn, largely due to the $48.4bn merger of Glencore and Xstrata.