The most important move was in the energy sector, where Italy’s Enel paid EUR401 million for 13.6% in E-Distributie Muntenia and Enel Energie Muntenia. There was no mega-deal in 2017, i.e. something above half a billion euros, despite expectations to the contrary.
“In a favorable global and European context, Romania’s economic growth rate was the main factor (that attracted investors to its market i.e.),” says Cornelia Bumbacea, partner, advisory services with PwC Romania.
The expectations are optimistic for 2018. Romania’s M&A market has been on the rise in the past three years, as the economic and consumer spending growth have made strategic and financial investors turn their attention towards the country.
“There are a number of global strategic or financial investors, which are looking at opportunities in Romania or have, at least indirectly, recently made or are about to make acquisitions, launch projects,” says Florian Nitu, managing partner of law firm Popovici, Nitu, Stoica & Asociatii.
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)