Silent Defaults

Impact of SOFR Rate Changes on Portfolio Companies' Fixed Charge Coverage Ratios

November 2024
With SOFR at 5%, around 40% of the companies that Lincoln values have an FCCR of one or less. Despite rates coming down, over 30% of companies will still have an FCCR of one or less, but M&A is poised to accelerate.

Fed's Surprise Rate Cut: Balancing Economic Slowdown and Inflation Risks

November 2024
In response to a slowing economy, the Fed's unexpected 50 basis point rate cut raises questions about timing and potential inflation resurgence, as concerns linger over whether the cuts are too late or too rapid amidst rising goods prices and economic uncertainty.

Dynamics Driving the Chemicals Market

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Specialty Chemicals Transformation

August 2024
Specialty chemical providers are thriving, driven by a focus on technology, product differentiation and high-growth markets. However, to stay competitive, companies must prioritize commercial innovation and robust R&D.
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Traditional Oil and Gas Companies Leading Charge Toward Sustainability

August 2024
Traditional oil and gas companies are leading in green tech innovation. Downstream chemical companies must align with this shift, crafting strong ESG narratives to demonstrate how their goals contribute to sustainability.
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European Energy Crunch

August 2024
The European energy crunch highlights a shift in the global chemical industry. With less gas from Russia, the U.S. and Asia have a competitive advantage, creating opportunities for companies that effectively navigate this landscape.
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Growing Activity in Oil Field Chemicals

August 2024
The oil field chemicals sector is experiencing a surge in interest. As a critical component in supporting energy and feedstock needs for a growing global population, this industry is poised for further consolidation.
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Takeaways from the Specialty & Ag Chemicals SOCMA Show

August 2024
We are seeing strong interest in chemicals sectors that are resilient to changing consumer preferences, particularly water treatment, cleaning and adhesives. These high-value areas offer consolidation and growth opportunities.

The State of M&A

Potential 2024 Black Swan Events

June 2024
Several factors—such as a potential interest rate cut, a black swan event, and the U.S. election—may impact deal flow in 2024.

What Will Cause Further Acceleration of Deal Flow?

June 2024
In the past year, we've witnessed deal flow, yet there have been fewer closed transactions. This creates a dynamic where sellers struggle to align their expectations with market realities.

When Will Deal Flow Return in Earnest?

June 2024
As deal flow reemerges, it’s partially driven by private equity feeling pressure from their limited partners. After 18 to 24 months without capital returns, LPs are now advocating for liquidity events and distributions, a concept commonly referred to as DPI.

The Current State of the Deal Market

June 2024
Market activity is returning with cautious optimism. Several deals put on hold in 2023 are going to market in 2024.

Pulse on the Transportation and Logistics Market

Strategic Nearshoring is Essential for Supply Chain Resilience

June 2024
Mexico has emerged as America's primary trading partner, surpassing China for the first time in decades. This shifting dynamic underscores the urgency for transportation and logistics providers to scale capabilities.

Which Segments of the Logistics Industry are Most Ripe for M&A Activity?

June 2024
There is great interest in logistics subsectors, such as pharma and healthcare, cold chain, and e-commerce. These industries have long-term demand, regardless of economic conditions.

What Factors are Driving M&A Activity in the T&L Sector

June 2024
While transportation and logistics mergers and acquisitions slowed from its peak in 2021 and 2022, signs indicate activity is trending up. In Q1, 2024 deal activity surged by over 15% compared to the same period last year.

Previous Releases

 

Lincoln's Latest Vet Part 02

Vet Trends - Part Two

February 2024
Part one of our Lincoln's Latest: Vet series. Matt Lee, Managing Director in our Healthcare Group, shares the current staffing, financial and regulatory dynamics in the European vet market.

Vet Trends - Part One

February 2024
Part one of our Lincoln's Latest: Vet series. Matt Lee, Managing Director in our Healthcare Group, shares the current staffing, financial and regulatory dynamics in the European vet market.
Electric Vehicle Trends

Electric Vehicle Trends

August 2023
Lincoln’s automotive and mobility technology professionals share some top trends that are playing a key role in the electric vehicle market’s momentum.
Energy, Power and Infrastructure - Trends Part OneEnergy, Power and Infrastructure - Trends Part Three

Energy, Power & Infrastructure Trends - Part Three

August 2023
Part three of our energy, power and infrastructure (EP&I) series! Lincoln’s professionals share themes within the product, outsourced service provider and software technology subsectors.
Energy, Power and Infrastructure - Trends Part OneEnergy, Power and Infrastructure - Trends Part Two

Energy, Power & Infrastructure Trends - Part Two

August 2023
Part two of our EP&I series! Lincoln’s professionals explore energy storage, renewable energy and trends specific to Europe.
Energy, Power and Infrastructure - Trends Part One

Energy, Power & Infrastructure Trends - Part One

July 2023
Part one of our EP&I series! Lincoln’s experts reveal some of the top 2023 global EP&I mega themes impacting the sector.
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Cybersecurity Dynamics

April 2023
Lincoln’s cybersecurity experts reveal some of the top 2023 cybersecurity themes.
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Education Trends

March 2023
Lincoln’s education, technology and services professionals share some of the top trends that are leading the education market in 2023.
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Succeeding in the Beauty Market

Nov 2022
Lincoln’s beauty experts offer brands advice on how to succeed in today’s beauty market.
Q3 2022 Valuation Insights

Q3 2022 Valuation Insights

Nov 2022
Lincoln’s Valuations & Opinions Group shares insights into Q3 2022 valuations, including private company enterprise value multiples, third-party M&A buyouts and European revenue, EBITDA growth and margins.
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ESG Trends

Nov 2022
Lincoln’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) experts share key ESG insights for investors or companies that are looking to buy or sell.
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Trends in the Financial Institutions Market

Sep 2022
Lincoln's Financial Institutions Group offers a perspective on the key trends that are playing a role in the financial institutions market.
Healthcare Thumbnail Q4 2021

Overview of Pharmaceutical Outsourced Market

Nov 2021
James West, Director in Lincoln’s Healthcare Group, gives an overview of the pharmaceutical outsourced market, including global drivers and trends, response from private equity firms and attractive assets for investors within the sector.

Resilient Pet Sector Attracts Increasing Investor Interest Underpinned by Changing Consumer Habits

Apr 2021
Listen as members of Lincoln's Consumer Group share their thoughts on the resilient pet sector; identifying the latest trends in investor appetite and key strategies for growth for pet businesses in 2021.

Q1 Valuation Insights and 2021 Forecasts

Mar 2021
With over 2,400 portfolio #valuations performed globally by Lincoln International last quarter, our global Valuations & Opinions Group shares insights from this data on EV multiples, EBITDA performance and their forecasts for private company valuations in 2021.

Resilient TMT Sector Drives Increasing Competition and Diversified Investment Strategies

Mar 2021
Our TMT colleagues from around the world share insights into trends including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, as well the latest updates on mergers and acquisitions activity in the sector.

Accelerated Trends in Industrials

Jan 2021
Listen to perspectives on various aspects within the Industrials industry, from the safety and survivability in the specialty vehicle market in a COVID and post-COVID world to outbound mergers and acquisitions trends in China.

Accelerated Trends in Debt Advisory

2020
Hear perspectives on the debt advisory landscape.

Accelerated Trends in Consumer

2020
Hear perspectives on the changing global consumer landscape from opportunities in home living and e-commerce to the evolution of retailers in the face of increasing competition from Amazon.

Accelerated Trends in Business Services

2020
Listen to perspectives on key considerations for mergers and acquisitions in business services, including global distribution and supply chain, talent and staffing in the UK and engineering services in the Nordics.

Accelerated Trends in Valuations & Opinions

2020
Discover proprietary insights into the impact of COVID-19 on private company valuations to date as well as initial Q4 predictions.

Accelerated Trends in Technology, Media & Telecom

2020
Hear insights on navigating rising competition as digital strategies accelerate.

Contributors

I build trust with clients by putting their interests first at all times.

Aude Doyen

Managing Director & Co-head of Capital Advisory, Europe

London

Meet our Senior Team

Recent Perspectives

Lincoln’s Latest

Lincoln’s Latest video series features experts from across industries, services and geographies, sharing perspectives on current trends, recent observations and future outlooks.

Smart Packaging: How AI is Changing the Game

Over the last several years, the packaging industry has undergone significant transformations driven by rapid advancements in technology. From the introduction of innovative materials and sustainable practices to automation and… Read More

De-Stocking has Subsided, Pricing has Normalized and Demand is Returning in Packaging

As supply chain disruptions ease and consumer demand stabilizes, the prolonged period of de-stocking, within packaging and the broader economy, is ending, as supported by the most recent Monthly Wholesale… Read More

Sustainability in Focus for Packaging M&A

The packaging industry faces a paradigm shift amidst a growing public conversation on climate change and, as a result, the concerted endeavors of governments worldwide to regulate single-use packaging and… Read More

Best Practices for Preparing a Corporate Carve Out

While macroeconomic challenges and rising interest rates correlate to a slowdown in mergers and acquisitions, corporate carve out transactions often see significant upticks during times of economic uncertainty as businesses… Read More

Recycled Plastics Market Draws Investor Attention

Not a day goes by without the announcement of a new regulatory, industrial, or commercial initiative relating to the European circular economy, making it a major topic for corporates and… Read More

Corporate Carve Outs: A Strategic Growth Tool for Turbulent Times

When challenges arise in the economic environment, businesses become much less interested in discretionary acquisitions—particularly larger deals or at higher multiples, creating a need for dealmaking alternatives. The result is… Read More

European M&A Outlook: Four Deal Drivers for 2023 and Beyond

After a record-setting 2021, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in 2022 was poised for a normalization, yet it still hovered near pre-pandemic levels for total deal value. Following the retrench… Read More

IPEM | Event: Cannes 2023

Lincoln International was pleased to attend IPEM Cannes 2023 from January 23 to 25. The event provided attendees the opportunity to connect with other professionals in the private capital markets,… Read More

UK M&A: Getting the Deal Done in Challenging Times, Through Value Creation and Due Diligence

Evolving market dynamics and the ever-shifting macroeconomic backdrop present significant challenges, but also opportunities for investors and corporates alike.

A New Standard for Beauty and Apparel: Inclusive Products and Sustainable Brands

Investor interest in environmental, social and governance (ESG) increases daily. As a result, companies and brands are now being called upon to prioritize ESG activities in an authentic and transparent… Read More

The London Institute of Banking & Finance | Sustainable Finance in Action – Unlocking Opportunities in ESG Investment

Originally published by The London Institute of Banking & Finance on June 15, 2022. Xenia Sarri, Managing Director in Lincoln’s Debt Advisory Group, shares how Lincoln works closely with private… Read More

Sustainable Energy Investment Trends: Insight from Private Equity

As stakeholder priorities on environmental, social and governance (ESG) continue to crystallize at a rapid pace, investors are often allocating capital aligned with sustainable energy efforts to incorporate more environmental… Read More

Looking to Europe for Insight on the Increasing Criticality of ESG in Investing

As enthusiasm for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment continues to rise, businesses and institutional investors are shifting focus to maximize the impact of purpose-driven investments and take advantage of… Read More

Five Ways ESG Will Alter PE-Backed Dealmaking in the Next Five Years

Under the pressure of the global pandemic, the push from shareholder to stakeholder capitalism crystalized. Company scrutiny came not only from traditional institutional investors like insurers, pensions and endowments —… Read More

Business Leaders Adjust Investment Strategy in Light of CO2 Emissions Standards

As governments and company stakeholders continue to increase their focus on reducing emissions, the shift from fossil fuels to green energy is shaking up almost every sector—resulting in energy efficiency… Read More

Citywire | Europe’s Private Debt Managers Embrace ESG-Linked Loans

Originally published by Citywire on March 16, 2022. A recent feature in Citywire features Richard Olson, Managing Director in Lincoln’s Valuations & Opinions Group, to discuss the ESG market and… Read More

From Corporate Social Responsibility to PE Impact Funds: Investor Interest in ESG and Sustainability Gains Pace

Institutional investors are increasingly accountable for how they deploy capital. More so than the widespread divestment from fossil fuels over the last decade, some capital allocators today are seeking to… Read More

Energy Power & Infrastructure

Bright Spot: The Sun Shines on Solar Energy Investment

Renewable energy generation is a growing priority for countries across the globe. In 2015, 196 parties adopted the Paris Climate Agreement and in 2021 the United Nations Framework Convention on… Read More