Acquisition spree on the international market. When will it reach Romania?

The number of deals involving Romanian companies will rise this year, but their value will be significantly lower against the years of economic boom, so that one cannot speak of a rebound in this field for the time being, according to specialised analysts.
Ziarul Financiar has identified 20 possible companies that could be eyed by interested companies, which have got the cash and could this way breathe new life into the M&A market, a field where specialised consultants and lawyers made good money from 2006 through 2009.
“M&A activity will undoubtedly thaw in Romania, as well, in 12-18 months under the combined effect of economic downturn, with companies unable to grow organically any longer, and of the adjustment, sometimes a significant one, of domestic companies’ value. Romania still has a lot of unconsolidated fields, plus a desperate need to sell state stakes, both favourite M&A fields. Nevertheless, I would not rush to speak about a possible M&A binge in Romania, as we’re coping with a very poor investment perception because of public policy, and particularly fiscal policy, inconsistency and amateurism,” believes Doru Lionăchescu, main partner with Capital Partners consultancy.