A wave of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) across the Middle East and Africa is transforming the region into an economic powerhouse to match India and China, say some observers. The region is currently experiencing some of its highest levels of M&A activity ever and, as might be expected, oil and gas deals are at the forefront of this. But they are by no means the whole story.
For while the oil sector is already fairly well consolidated, major tie-ups in sectors such as telecoms and pharmaceuticals may create new international players that will straddle many countries. Furthermore, opportunities are being sought in less obvious areas, such as African hotels, Moroccan wind farms, Algerian solar energy, as well as utilities, car manufacturing and banking.
