Perspectives

Sectors in the spotlight

No sector will be immune to the impact of the emerging economic environment. For two sectors in particular, Lincoln International sees major challenges and potentially significant new opportunities ahead.

The automotive sector is already facing immense operating model upheaval caused by the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Big long-term challenges already apparent include:

• the scale of investment involved;
• the advent of new entrants, as long-established barriers to entry appear to be weakened; and
• the need to attract and afford more and more talented software engineers.

With the additional scarcity and increasing cost of raw materials and the now likely prolonged continuance of supply chain disruption, it seems clear that even with increased consumer motivation to switch to EVs in the face of rising fuel prices, satisfying demand profitably will continue to be difficult for the industry. Pressure on margins will only become more acute as inflation bites.

Significant changes in response are already becoming visible, such as:

These deal structures, once played out, may well lead to further mergers, collaborations as well as traditional M&A activity down the line.

For some aerospace and defense (A&D) businesses, growth prospects look good, arising from higher anticipated government military spending. However, some companies may need to adjust their approach in order to secure the largest possible chunk of growing defense- and security-related budgets.

Businesses will implement strategies, including, for example:

Lincoln Perspective

As businesses reassess their inorganic growth and investment options, an increasing number may want to consider alternative structures. Some may choose to take a minority stake or establish a JV, rather than make a 100% acquisition. A cooperation agreement may help others mitigate near-term risk and prove the business case for a more substantial subsequent investment, if the relationship progresses successfully.

Bigger companies may be able to move more quickly (or capitalize opportunistically on others’ cash constraints) by entering business collaborations. Smaller businesses, lacking the necessary capital to scale their own technologies or make bolt-on acquisitions, may be able to access new markets and / or potential research and development funding by forming an alliance or selling a minority stake to a larger entity or a financial sponsor.

Lincoln is uniquely well positioned to provide a balanced, practical view of such critical business choices. In-depth knowledge of the pros and cons (and the execution dos and don’ts) of alternative deal structures from our joint ventures & partnering specialists combines with current global industry insights and M&A expertise. The resulting 360 degree, “outside in” perspective can encompass the spectrum of potential deal structures. We can even move seamlessly from M&A to another structure mid-deal, if changing circumstances so demand.