Biggest Business Mergers and Acquisitions of the Last 5 Years
The business world is always changing, with mergers and acquisitions being some of the most significant and controversial events in the corporate world. In 2021 and 2022, several high-profile mergers and acquisitions have significantly impacted the business landscape. From tech giants to pharmaceutical companies, look at some of the biggest mergers and acquisitions of the past few years.
Microsoft and Nuance Communications
In April 2021, Microsoft announced its acquisition of Nuance Communications for $19.7 billion. Nuance, an AI-powered speech recognition company, has been a longstanding Microsoft partner, using its technology in several Microsoft products.
This acquisition has allowed Microsoft to penetrate the healthcare industry further, as Nuance’s technology is widely used in healthcare documentation. This acquisition will significantly impact the healthcare industry and potentially revolutionize how doctors and healthcare professionals interact with patients.
Amazon’s Acquisition of MGM
In May 2021, Amazon announced its acquisition of MGM for $8.45 billion. MGM, the legendary Hollywood movie studio, has produced iconic films such as Rocky and James Bond.
This acquisition not only brings Amazon much-needed content for its Prime Video service but also puts Amazon in direct competition with Disney, Warner Bros., and other entertainment firms. This move is a significant marker in Amazon’s dominance in the entertainment industry and makes it a rising power in Hollywood.
Uber and Postmates
Uber, the ride-hailing giant, expanded into the food delivery space by acquiring Postmates, a food delivery service, in a deal worth $2.65 billion. Postmates is a significant rival to other US food delivery services such as DoorDash and Grubhub. This acquisition will significantly expand Uber’s market reach and increase the range of services it offers to consumers.
AstraZeneca and Alexion Pharmaceuticals
In December 2020, British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca announced its acquisition of Alexion Pharmaceuticals for $39 billion. This acquisition is expected to significantly impact the healthcare industry, as the two companies combined research and development capabilities will lead to new and innovative medicines.
This acquisition is a significant milestone for AstraZeneca as it looks to broaden its product portfolio and gain a foothold in the rare disease market.
AT&T and Discovery Communications
In May 2021, telecom company AT&T announced its plans to spin off its media assets and merge them with Discovery Communications in a deal worth $43 billion. This merger creates a new media heavyweight, including popular properties such as CNN, HBO, Warner Bros., and Discovery Channel.
This merger gives AT&T a chance to focus more on its core business while giving Discovery the necessary resources to compete with other streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max.
Square and Afterpay
In August 2021, financial services company Square announced its $29 billion acquisition of Afterpay, an Australian digital payment platform. Afterpay allows customers to pay in installments with no interest or fees.
This acquisition is part of Square’s strategy to expand its services and become an all-in-one commerce platform. Afterpay is an industry leader in its category and has seen staggering growth in recent years. This acquisition expands Square’s market reach and positions the company as a leader in consumer finance.
More in Finance & Business
-
`
Why You Need to Think Twice Before Buying a House
So, you have been scrolling through real estate listings, envisioning your dream kitchen, and even bookmarking paint colors for the nursery....
November 26, 2023 -
`
Santo Spirits: Sammy Hagar and Guy Fieri’s Joint Venture
In the world of business partnerships, some combinations might seem unconventional at first glance. But when you delve deeper into the...
November 16, 2023 -
`
Everything You Need to Know About Mortgage Rate Lock
You have probably embarked on the exciting yet nerve-wracking voyage of purchasing a home. Amidst the sea of paperwork, open houses,...
November 9, 2023 -
`
7 Effective Ways to Make Your Business More Sustainable
In an age of rising environmental consciousness, making your business more sustainable isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity. Sustainable practices...
November 3, 2023 -
`
Housing Market Going Up? Then Why Not Rent?
“Buy a house! It is the best investment!” How many times have you heard that? Probably enough to make a drinking...
October 29, 2023 -
`
Surprising! Celebs Who You Didn’t Know Had a Master’s Degree
When it comes to celebrities, we often associate them with glitz, glamour, and blockbuster movies. But did you know that some...
October 17, 2023 -
`
Navigating the Housing Maze: The 7% Mortgage Rate Quandary
If there is one thing that this year has thrown our way (apart from those fascinating tech gadgets we did not know...
October 12, 2023 -
`
Where to Buy a House in the U.S With a $100K Salary
Got a cool $100,000 annual paycheck in your pocket? Cheers to that accomplishment! With such a financial cushion, dreams of homeownership...
October 6, 2023 -
`
The “Grave” Housing Crisis Forcing U.S. Homeowners to Sell Their Houses
Every culture has its dreams and aspirations. For those living in the United States, it has traditionally been an idyllic house, spacious and...
October 1, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment Login