Programme
Agenda
Explore our agenda and build your viewing schedule.
-
08:50
-
08:55
-
09:05
-
09:30Market spotlight: Regional M&A outlook
The uncertainty created by the pandemic, and the fluid macro and regulatory environment contributed to a decrease in M&A activity in 2020. However, from 2H 2020 onward, deal making in the region picked up with Asia Pacific contributing US$641bn in deal value for 2020 according to Dealogic data. Asian businesses overall have shown strong resilience in several sectors throughout the crisis and even prosper in some instances. While IPO prospects are somewhat volatile depending on the jurisdiction, overall the potential is good and combined with tremendous dry powder and SPAC activity, the region seems to be on a positive trajectory for M&A activity. Our panel of leading advisors will share their view on the latest M&A trends and the outlook for 2022 and beyond.
- Are we expecting more headwinds in 2022?
- Which markets and sectors provide the best opportunity for deal making?
- How much of an impact will regulatory changes have on activity?
- Can we expect SPAC activity to diminish going forward?
-
10:15
Networking break
-
10:45Greater Bay Area - in pursuit of innovation and excellence
With The Greater Bay Area emerging as an attractive technology and innovation hub, opportunities for companies in China and elsewhere to invest and leverage the strong R&D capabilities, highly advanced capital markets and manufacturing potential the region offers are plentiful. The vibrant tech ecosystem with 40+ unicorns so far and strong support from Government and private sector alike, positions the GBA as one of the most compelling economic development initiatives in recent times. Our panel of leading experts share their view on the current prospects with a focus on tech.
- What is the current state of play in developing GBA as a leading international innovation and tech hub?
- What are the key policy measures increasing GBA’s appeal?
- What role can venture capital and private equity can play in the initiative?
- What can be learned from the companies already operating in the region?
-
11:30Regulatory change - shaping the future
Regulatory changes seem to be on the rise, including measures like protectionism, anti-trust, data privacy, cyber security, and responsible investment to name a few. A changing macro environment, along with a global push against big tech and ever-increasing geopolitical tension are some of the catalysts that are driving decision makers to develop new regulations. On the other hand, positive movement with RCEP and EU-China EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment together with the China’s new Foreign Investment Law, aim to provide a boost for inbound investment and cross-border activity. How these regulatory trends affect investors eyeing the greater China market will be discussed by an expert panel focusing on:
- What regulatory trends are proving to be most challenging to navigate?
- What sectors are benefiting from the changes?
- Is the pushback against big tech globally altering the landscape?
- How are data, privacy and cybersecurity regulation shaping the conversation?
-
12:15
-
12:30
Networking Lunch
-
13:30Private equity and M&A
While some corporate investors pulled back to preserve liquidity through the crisis, private equity sponsored deals have not slowed down and in fact increased year on year by 53% with total value of $US161.7bn AVCJ and Mergermarket data shows. The Hong Kong Government measures to attract private equity and venture capital funds through a new limited partnership fund regime will only help accelerate M&A in the region. As competition for deals heats up with private equity, corporates and SPACS all in the game, it is now up to the GPs to illustrate their value add and become preferred partners. Leading GPs discuss:
- How has the pandemic altered the deal making landscape?
- Is private equity going to be a dominant force in Asian M&A?
- Are we seeing more competition or collaboration between PE and strategic investors?
- What sectors provide the best opportunity for PE?
-
14:15ESG disruption - a gamechanger for future deal making
As action for tackling climate change and sustainability becomes a global conversation, applying ESG considerations in deal making is now becoming a key factor, in a quest for a more sustainable way of doing business and showing a commitment to climate change, diversity, and supply chain goals. Companies must change the way they approach potential acquisitions from due diligence, financing, and risk perspective and be prepared to walk away if ESG considerations might impact on valuations and sustainability of the potential target. Lenders are affected as well with sustainability linked loans in 2021 up 79% year-on-year according to Debtwire. Against this backdrop, an expert panel uncovers the impact of ESG on M&A practices and how to future proof your approach to deals.
- Is ESG a game changer when it comes to deal making?
- How are corporations dealing with regulation and compliance?
- Is shareholder activism on the rise and how it impacts on deal making?
- How are lenders affected and does that impact some sectors?
-
15:00
Networking break
-
15:30Accelerated digitalization and tech opportunities
A robust ecosystem together with accelerated digitalization due to the pandemic, make technology investment in the region more attractive than ever. Technology deal making in Asia reached record levels in the first half of 2021 jumping 2.5x year-on-year to USD 154.4bn across 1,242 deals Dealogic reports. Numerous success stories and seemingly a never-ending potential are attracting corporates and private market investors to pursue business transformation opportunities brought by this digital renaissance. Technology businesses of every type including financial service, e-commerce, logistics and healthcare are premium targets and our expert panel of investors share their views on the best strategies to capitalize on this enormous potential.
- What are the opportunities that have emerged from the new normal?
- Where are local corporates looking to make strategic investments – domestic or outbound?
- M&A lifecycle and technology: and how to drive efficiencies in a hybrid dealmaking environment?
- What is the preferred method of exit - M&A, SPACS or IPO?
Powered by
-
16:15Cross-border M&A
There is a significant appetite for cross-border deal making in Asia despite geopolitical uncertainties and limited travel. Corporates and financial investors are looking to capitalize on opportunities brought by this uncertainty as they try to consolidate and capture future growth segments. Our panel of experienced investors and dealmakers outline the driving forces for cross-border activity and discuss hotspots within the region.
- What are the factors driving intra-regional dealmaking?
- What is the reality of cross-border activity, and how do you navigate regulatory hurdles and sensitivity around certain sectors?
- Which sectors are attractive as travel remains curtailed?
- Are geo-political tensions creating opportunities for buyers?
-
17:00
Networking cocktail
-
18:30
End of conference
Confirm cancellation
An error occurred trying to play the stream. Please reload the page and try again.
Close