Insight

Down but not out - M&A trends in technology, media, and telecom

M&A in TMT continued to weaken in Q3’22, but deal makers can still uncover hidden growth opportunities

The gathering clouds over the economy directly impacted the TMT M&A market in Q3’22, with deal activity decelerating further. Compared to the previous quarter, deal volume fell 20.7 percent to 1,410 from 1,778, and deal value dropped 71.8 percent to $77.6 billion from $275.4 billion.

Technology transactions slid 18.6 percent by volume and 65.6 percent by value from Q2’22. Media deals decreased 23.3 percent by volume and 95.9 percent by value. However, telecom deals broke this double-negative trend: although volume tumbled 34.8 percent, value rose 19.8 percent.

Some notable trends in Q3’22 included:

  • Only one transaction topped $10 billion—Adobe’s announcement in September to take over Figma for $20 billion.
  • Many private-equity (PE) firms are targeting companies with falling valuations or in need of a business turnaround for take-private transactions.
  • Transactions in special-purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) continued to dry up.

M&A trends in TMT are expected to follow economic developments—with activity likely to remain subdued until investors see signs of accelerating growth. But even in a downturn, forward-looking companies can look for attractive assets and use M&A to lay the groundwork for long-term growth.

For the latest market trends and KPMG deal professionals’ view of what may lie ahead, download our full Q3’22.

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Chad Seiler

Chad Seiler

Partner, Advisory, KPMG, LLP

+1 408-367-7603
Kevin Bogle

Kevin Bogle

Deal Advisory & Strategy (DAS) Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) sector Lead, KPMG LLP

+1 212-872-5766
Phil Wong

Phil Wong

Principal, Advisory, Technology Industry Strategy, KPMG US

+1 617-899-8999
Tim Lashua

Tim Lashua

Partner, Deal Advisory & Strategy, KPMG LLP

+1 415-707-9816
Jared Theis

Jared Theis

Advisory Managing Director, Accounting Advisory Services, KPMG US

+1 509-750-4382
Ken Allen

Ken Allen

Managing Director, Corporate Finance, KPMG US

+1 617-988-5772