In the past,
we reported on PwC's ongoing analysis on M&A activity
in the global metals industry. PwC released its most recent report
in the series, entitled "Forging Ahead: First-quarter 2016 global metals
industry mergers and acquisitions analysis" which breaks
down the latest trends in the global metals industry, and provides
insights into what the industry may expect going forward.
The major news coming out of the report is that
deal volume declined to 14 deals valued at $50 million or more in
the first quarter of 2016; however, deal value increased to $8.7
billion. The report concludes that the primary cause of this trend
is the increase in megadeals, which are deals valued at $1 billion
or more. Specifically, two Chinese based transactions made up 66%
of the total deal value: CRED Holdings' plans to acquire the
share capital of Liaoning Zhongwang Group, a manufacturer and
wholesaler of aluminum products for $4.7 billion; and the
acquisition of Shandong
