M&A Advisory: Automotive industry

The transformation of the automotive industry is in full swing. Fierce international competition for customers and market share poses new challenges for manufacturers. The electrification of the powertrain, changing mobility behaviour and new technologies such as autonomous driving are permanently changing the way the automotive industry is seen. These topics are currently also fuelling deals activity and accompanying the realignment of car manufacturers and suppliers alike. Uncertainty about the nature and speed of change and a lack of demand create additional complexity and, in many cases, the need for restructuring.

The current key deals topics in the automotive industry are:

  • acquisition and integration of technology expertise in growth segments
  • valuation of IP in contrast to classic asset-based business models
  • assessment of the future viability of business models and possible “time remaining” for products and technologies in traditional segments
  • restructuring of the companies’ product and service portfolio – separation of future non-core business
  • further internationalisation in structure and buyers in mergers & acquisitions
  • importance of forecasting sales and market development to support investment theses
  • resilience of the business model with regards to sales decreases and fluctuations
  • proactive restructuring and adjustment of cost structure and footprint

What we can do for you

Our Automotive Deals team will assist you in implementing your transactions successfully, creating added value for your company. We are as international as you are. As a partner alongside you, we not only provide our own independent view of developments in the market and future sales forecasts, but also provide our entire expertise in strategic, tax, financial, operational and valuation-related issues. Every transaction is only as good as its implementation. Building on our tailor-made solutions, we can help you to identify and exploit further value creation potential post-closing. We help you to sustainably increase the value of your company with the right transaction – you can benefit from our specialised industry know-how and a global network of experts.

An overview of our services 

  • Initiating and structuring deals – from target search to negotiations and successful closing
  • Industry-focused and tailor-made due diligence, from the market side to financialstaxes and operations, globally from a single source
  • Identification of value creation opportunities and support in optimising tax and financing structure
  • Integration of automotive experts from our global network with experience in your sub-segments (e.g. chassis or interior) or functional expertise (e.g. ramp-up management or footprint)
  • Support throughout the entire transaction cycle – from the transaction strategy and extensive due diligence to the carve-out or post-merger integration

Contact us

Sascha Beer

Sascha Beer

Partner, Corporate Finance / M&A Leader, PwC Switzerland

Tel: +41 58 792 15 39

Michael Huber

Michael Huber

Director, Deals Industrials & Services, PwC Switzerland

Tel: +41 58 792 1542

Nico Psarras

Nico Psarras

Partner, Transaction Services, PwC Switzerland

Tel: +41 58 792 15 72