Riyadh-Mubasher: Saudi healthcare and food sectors took the lead in terms of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) carried out in the kingdom, said MergerMarket, a company specialised in research studies and M&As news follow-up.
During the first nine months of 2015, the acquisitions value declined by 38.1% compared with the same period of 2014.
The kingdom witnessed 13 deals at a total value of $578 million in 2015, MergerMarket said, adding that the population growth is the main driver of M&As as it boosts demand for commodities and services in the healthcare and education sectors.
Saudi Arabia M&A and Capital Markets Forum 2015 will be held on 18 November at Riyadh Marriott Hotel.
Despite decline in the number of M&As this year, the healthcare sector saw a large number of deals, said Ruth Al-Ghamdi, head of MergerMarket.
She added that the medical and pharmaceutical sector witnessed two transactions worth $294 million.
Aster DM's acquisition of 57% of Sanad's capital at a total value of $246 million is the biggest deal in 2015, and boosted the total value of the sector's deals.
