Reports of global merger and acquisition (M&A) activity entering a dry spell appear premature with dealmakers recording the third highest number of completed deals in an opening six months since M&A deal research by WTW began in 2008. According to analysis based on WTW’s Quarterly Deal Performance Monitor (QDPM), the only years that have surpassed the 441 deals (valued over $100 million) completed in the first half of 2022 were 2021, during an exceptional pandemic rebound, and 2015. Although deal activity has slowed from its record-setting 2021 pace, when 484 deals were completed in the first six months, M&A volumes

Temasek, a global investor headquartered in Singapore, has completed its acquisition of Element Materials Technology (Element), a specialist in testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) services. Temasek has been a minority shareholder in Element since 2019. Temasek acquired Element from Bridgepoint, whose ownership has been an important part of a more than ten-fold increase in Element’s turnover over the past decade. The acquisition, which was subject to regulatory approvals, was previously announced on 25 January 2022.

Two of primary buyout specialists Kester Capital’s portfolio companies, Rephine and Jollyes, have completed strategic acquisitions. In addition, Kester has provided follow-on funding to another portfolio company, Optibrium, to accelerate development and expansion.  This investment activity comes on the back of the recent sale of Avania, which delivered in excess of 8x ROI for Kester.   Rephine, a leading provider of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) audits and regulatory consulting services to the pharmaceutical industry, has acquired Barcelona-based GxP audit organisation Forum Auditorias, and its manufacturing supply chain compliance consultancy TDV. Jollyes, meanwhile, a UK retailer of specialty pet products, has

Happeo, tanhe intranet platform for fast-moving companies, has raised $26 million in a Series B funding round led by Endeit Capital, Smartfin and Evli Growth Partners. Happeo’s earlier investors INKEF Capital, Maki.vc and Vendep Capital, among others, also joined the round.  The investment will allow Happen to develop its social intranet platform further at a time when companies need to centralise their information more than ever.  Happeo gives companies a ‘virtual headquarters’ that centralises information and knowledge internally making sure employees have everything they need to do their best work – and build connections and a positive culture in the

Ganymed Robotics, a developer of computer vision software and robotics technologies for orthopaedic surgeons, has raised €21 million in the oversubscribed first close of a Series B funding round led by Cathay Health. Credit Mutuel Innovation, Kurma Partners, BNP Paribas Développement and internationally renowned surgeons also participated in the round The funding will be used to support Ganymed’s expansion in France and in the United States, finalize the industrial development of its surgical robotic assistant for knee arthroplasty (TKA), accelerate regulatory and marketing developments across geographies, and diversify the innovation product pipeline.

Biosyntia has closed a Series B funding round of €11.5 million from a strong syndicate of experienced venture capital investors. The round was closed with an investment from the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) and the two existing investors, Sofinnova Partners and Novo Seeds, the early-stage investment and company creation team of Novo Holdings A/S. The investment will allow the company to enter the production phase of its first-of-its-kind, natural and sustainable active ingredients as well as expand the pipeline of products. The first product to be commercialized is a bio-based biotin (vitamin B7), for use in dietary supplements, food,

ASGN Incorporated, a provider of IT services and solutions, including technology and creative digital marketing, across the commercial and government sectors, has closed its previously announced acquisition of GlideFast Consulting LLC (GlideFast) from private equity firm BV Investments Partners for a total cash consideration of $350 million. GlideFast’s experienced team has become part of Apex Consulting Services within ASGN’s Commercial Segment.   In addition, in connection with the closing, ASGN is granting restricted stock unit awards to 42 key GlideFast employees covering approximately 72,500 shares. Subject to continued service to ASGN, these grants will vest: (a) one-half on the second