M&A activity in 2018 is off to a very strong start, reflecting strong demand from private equity and strategic buyers as well as lofty valuations seen in both the public and private markets. It’s been particularly busy for Commercial & Consumer Technology (CCT) M&A in Southern California, where two of the larger deals in the sector occurred with Amazon acquiring Ring for over $1 billion and Foxconn affiliate FIT acquiring Belkin for over $850 million. Both home grown Los Angeles-based companies play squarely in the connected home space.
Across the broader CCT markets, A/V integration remains a hot sector, with several deals occurring among mid-tier integrators and Snap AV continuing its acquisition spree following its recapitalization by Hellman & Friedman last year. Intrepid continues to be busy in this active market, closing the sale of Radial Engineering, a well-known manufacturer of accessories for professional musicians and live performance venues just in time for NAMM 2018.
We are excited about the robust backlog of opportunities and continued strong interest among acquirers for high-quality assets. If you are considering options for your business or would like to discuss any of these trends, please do not hesitate to reach out.