Appetite for acquisitions stronger in US than Canada for first time in two years: EY survey

Canadian companies still showing caution around deal making

TORONTO, Nov. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - For the first time in two years, US companies are more inclined to pursue deals than their Canadian counterparts. According to EY's latest Canadian Capital Confidence Barometer, only 33% of Canadian companies intend to pursue acquisitions within the next 12 months, compared to 41% in the US.

"There's still an interesting 'confidence paradox' going on here. Canadian executives remain confident in the state of the global economy, and even more confident in the economy here at home," says Tony Ianni, Transaction Advisory Services Partner at EY. "But that confidence still isn't translating into an uptick in transaction activity."

Accordingly, Canadian executives' confidence in the local economy continues to rise. Ninety-eight per cent of respondents think the Canadian economy is stable or improving, up from 79% a year ago, and 85% just six months ago. But deals remain comparatively elusive.

"A lot of things are fueling this paradox. Despite increasing confidence, Canadian companies either seem to be waiting for more favourable economic conditions, for the right deal or, in some cases, for someone else to make the first move," says Ianni.

Still, while deal volume may be down, the survey found a significant increase in the number of respondents who expect an increase in the actual size of deals that do go ahead. That's quite a shift from EY's findings last spring.

"Nineteen per cent of executives said they expect deals over US$1 billion," says Ianni. "Just six months ago, no respondents expected any deals of that magnitude."

Ianni says companies' willingness to use debt and equity to fund deals is consistent with the perception that deals will shift away from smaller transactions.

Despite less interest in making deals, Canadian executives' increased confidence in the local economy is driving other positive growth. Forty-seven per cent of companies say they'll create jobs or hire talent in the next 12 months, up from 37% six months ago. And only 8% said they would be reducing their workforce, down 5% from April 2013.

Other key findings of the survey include:

• 81% view credit availability as stable or improving
• 63% consider growth their primary focus
• 44% have a greater focus on investing in emerging markets
• 48% expect Canadian deal volumes to improve
• 61% plan to use debt and equity as their primary source of deal funding

About the survey
EY's Capital Confidence Barometer is a survey of more than 1,600 senior executives from large companies around the world and across industry sectors. The Barometer's objectives are to gauge corporate confidence in the economic outlook, understand boardroom priorities over the next 12 months and identify the emerging capital practices that will distinguish companies that build competitive advantage as the global economy continues to evolve. This is the ninth twice-yearly Barometer in the series, which began in November 2009.

About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

For more information, please visit ey.com/ca. Follow us on Twitter @EYCanada.

EY refers to the global organization and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

SOURCE: EY (Ernst & Young)

Erika Bennett
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Sarah Shields
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Julie Fournier
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