Looking ahead at manufacturing M&A activity
The news from the manufacturing sector over the past few months has been mixed. Many firms are experiencing headwinds from the strong US dollar. The most recent ISM PMI results have been at 51.5, the lowest level of the past couple of years. Recent PwC research suggests that the share of US M&A in the […]
Three ways the strong dollar affects your business
How many businesses do you know that increased their prices 28% last year? If you answered “we all did“, then you would be right. At this time last year, a European customer buying $100,000 of your made-in-the-USA products would have viewed that as a €73,000 cost. Today, that same purchase costs your customer €92,000, an […]
Manufacturing continues to expand in Massachusetts
January’s Federal Reserve “Beige book” highlighted some encouraging developments in our local economy. Manufacturing activity grew at a moderate pace in the Boston area, as well as in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, according to the report. Other studies indicate that overall employment in Massachusetts continues to improve, and is expected to reach nearly 3.5 […]
The Impact of the Test, Measurement and Certification Industry
The tools and techniques used in test and measurement, and in certification work, are essential in advancing new technologies and businesses. Starting with basic weights and measures in antiquity, to protractors, sextants, clocks, to spectrometers and oscilloscopes, and advancing to the most modern metrology tools and services, this industry continues to support innovation across the […]
Bright Summer for Manufacturing – Best Performance in a Decade
This August was not the time to be away on vacation if you’re in manufacturing. According to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), new orders reached a level not seen since April 2004 and the pace of growth rose in August to its highest level since March 2011. The ISM said its index of national factory […]
“$163 million?!!!? Hey, Terminate ME!” (Break-up fees in the middle market)
Hillshire Brands agreed last month to acquire Pinnacle Foods for $4.3 billion in a deal intended to broaden Hillshire’s product offerings beyond Ball Park hot dogs, Jimmy Dean sausages, and other protein products by adding Pinnacle’s roster of iconic grocery brands including Birds Eye, Mrs. Paul’s, Log Cabin, Duncan Hines, Vlasic and more. The market […]
US manufacturing continues to bloom in May
US industrial production increased in May for the third time in four months, rising a seasonally adjusted 0.6% from April, according to the Federal Reserve. Capacity utilization climbed to 79.1% in May, continuing to provide support for manufacturing expansion in 2014. US manufacturers were generally impaired by the harsh winter, and the performance in recent […]
5 Reasons to Sell Your Business in 2014
Owners of many privately-held businesses have sat out the recent resurgence in M&A activity while waiting for their company performance to rebound and waiting for M&A valuations to match their expectations once again. Abundant capital and fervent demand are fueling a strong M&A market, so owners should consider these five reasons to sell their businesses […]
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