Abstract:
Most economic downturns have stemmed from inefficiencies in the economic system. This research paper aims at investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-an exogeneous health crisis-on global mergers and acquisition (M&A) activity. By gathering statistical data about global transaction volume, value, and type, the study aims at getting a pulse of how mergers, acquisitions, and other restructuring activities have been utilized to support corporate objectives amidst these unprecedented times. While the full-fledged impact of COVID-19 cannot be fully captured at the moment (early 2021), the study attempts to illustrate how this change to economic stability caused a Schumpeterian creative destruction of industries. As firms prepare for the growth that will follow this downturn, M&A will enable companies to look into a future infused with technology and structurally different business models. This research paper thus captures the deliberate transformation occurring in the deal world to discuss the possible outlook of the M&A deal market in the post-pandemic world.
