PwC at The Davos Agenda 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that no single institution or organisation alone can address the challenges of our complex, interdependent world. Now is the time to work together to reflect, reimagine, and reset priorities for a better future. Held from 25-29 January 2021, the World Economic Forum’s Davos Agenda virtual meeting will explore how stakeholders can collaborate to create a fairer, more sustainable world.
Global M&A Industry Trends
M&A activity is accelerating. With valuations marching higher and so much capital in play, companies must pay close attention to the fundamentals to create value. By many indications, the next six to 12 months could be busy ones for mergers and acquisitions. Companies anticipating economic fallout from the global coronavirus pandemic have an accumulated war chest of more than $7.6 trillion in cash and marketable securities—and interest rates remain at record lows. Pent-up demand may kick in as the availability of vaccines increase the trifecta of CEO, investor and consumer confidence. For companies facing imminent distress, consolidation may be inevitable. For others, dealmaking may be the best, and fastest, way to fill urgent gaps in the skills, resources and technologies they need to create value down the road.
COVID-19: Impacts to business
As well as serious implications for people’s health, COVID-19 (coronavirus) is significantly impacting businesses and the economy. At PwC, we are working closely with businesses to help them mobilise, stabilise and return to work.
Making the ‘new normal’ a ‘better normal’
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused immense human suffering and has only increased the international development challenges facing those that deliver aid, including governments, donors, multilateral and bilateral development banks and agencies, NGOs, and other private and public development partners. Its magnitude, both for beneficiaries and donors, is unprecedented. However, crisis also creates opportunity. The COVID-19 pandemic is providing the international development ecosystem a chance to redefine its vision and strategies, funding modalities and collaboration models. It is also allowing for a different approach to meet workforce requirements and delivery models, while reinforcing the imperative for trust and transparency expected by society.
Reinventing the future
The upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic and its ripple effects have left business leaders asking — what’s on the other side? When industry disruption and constant change become normal, the key to continued success is a wide-ranging lens that captures insights for today and opportunities to get your business ready for what comes next.
