Davis Polk partner and Europe practice head Will Pearce discussed M&A activity and the macroeconomic conditions impacting dealmaking with City & Financial Global as part of its “C&F Talks” series. In the interview, Will notes that optimism has returned to the market and deal volume is on the rise. He also shares his thoughts on the extent to which the UK’s capital markets reforms have altered the perception of public listing.

“I guess we all look back to the highs and busyness of the second half of 2021 and we all point to that in terms of what ideal activity would look like, where you’ve got the double whammy of both the volume of deals but also the value of the deals,” Will said. “I think from the low point of the end of 2022, things have gradually come back over the last 18 months.”

The interview touches on some of the themes that will be discussed at City & Financial Global’s M&A Summit on October 21, 2024, which Will is chairing. 
 

Watch the full interview

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