Abstract
The purpose of this research is to analyse and discuss the concept of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and to provide a comprehensive understanding of the motives and the nature of M&A in organisations operating in the water industry in Europe. The concept of Mergers and Acquisitions in the corporate world are achieving increased importance and attention in the past two decades and they have recently emerged as a way to grow for many firms. It is same phenomenon within the water industry and increasing number of Merger and Acquisitions is no longer surprising news. This paper will outline a relevant literature review in the area of M&A and the motives behind it. In order to obtain organisation’s perspectives on this topic, five semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out with organisations operating in Water industry in Europe were constructed. The interviews will provide an opportunity to discuss motivating factors, value creation and benefits associated with M&A. Being an area of limited research, it is therefore valuable to investigate key motives behind M&A transactions, especially in the water industry. Consequently, the research question of “What are key drivers/motives behind M&A in the Water Industry in Europe” was put forward. A list of seven prime drivers is firstly identified from a literature review.
These motives are:
1. Synergies: financial, operational and managerial;
2. Wealth transfer from customers;
3. Wealth transfer from target’s shareholders;
4. Private information;
5. Benefit to managers;
6. Process outcomes;
7. M&A waves or business events.
The findings of this research are contributing valuable knowledge not only to the author but also to practitioners. Given the fact that M&A deal numbers have been increasing and therefore a lack of relevant literature applicable to organisations operating in the water industry, the author feels that this area requires further knowledge and research. Author keywords: M&A, water industry, Europe
