Amazon And Other Uncertainties Are Driving M&A

Amazon’s ongoing innovation and consumers’ impatience are helping drive retail investments, including strategic business deals, according to PwC Q2 Consumer Markets Deal Insights Report, which tracks merger and acquisition activities. Total deal value in the second quarter grew 14% over the previous quarter and reached $70.8 billion, a 5% increase over the two-year average. Total M&A volume has declined by 25% compared to the previous quarter, which PwC analysts said may be “a signal of caution by companies triggered by changing economic policies and global trade disputes.” Still, disclosed deal volume held flat quarter over quarter at 134, they also said. Notably, almost a third of the deals this year have been across industries — for example, consumer markets companies are investing in capabilities and customer-focused value in technology, healthcare and supply chain, according to the report. Read more at Retail Dive.