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Mergermarket Event Playground

Producers rock

Agenda

09.00 - 09.30
GMT

Registration and coffee

As the cornerstone of Germany’s economy, the automotive sector faces unprecedented challenges amid global market share erosion and intensifying competition from Chinese EV manufacturers. While traditional OEMs grapple with technological transformation and shifting consumer demands, the landscape presents compelling opportunities for strategic partnerships, joint ventures and cross-border acquisitions. According to Mergermarket data, automotive deals in the DACH region are booming with the number of deals announced in 2024 being the highest on record since 2017. With Chinese bidders potentially eyeing German assets as a tariff mitigation strategy and distressed opportunities emerging, this session explores how M&A could reshape the industry's future. The panel will cover:

  • How can M&A help address the structural disruptions that have led to the problems in the automotive industry?

  • In what ways is the convergence of automotive and technology reshaping M&A strategy?

  • Why are joint ventures emerging as a strategy for innovation and cost-sharing? 

  • How will regulatory hurdles like Foreign Subsidies Regulation and FDI reviews impact deal structures and timelines?

09.30 - 09.45
GMT

Chair’s opening remarks

Frederikke Beck
Frederikke Beck Partner, Impilo
Mikael Männik
Mikael Männik Director, HG Capital
Arthur Savander
Arthur Savander Investment Manager, Fantell
Suzana Peric
Suzana Peric Managing Director, Oaktree Capital Management
09.45 - 10.15
GMT

Keynote interview: The German economic outlook and its impact on M&A

10.15 - 10.45
GMT

Networking break

10.45 - 11.15
GMT

Panel: Carve-outs – Unlocking value through strategic separation

11.15 - 12.00
GMT

Panel: Hengeler Mueller’s insight into pursing technology and innovation via M&A

12.00 - 12.30
GMT

Panel: Automotive sector focus - Can M&A reignite Germany's industrial engine?

12.30 - 13.00
GMT

Fireside chat: The German Mittelstand in 20 years’ time – Tradition vs transformation

13.00 - 14.00
GMT

Networking lunch

14.00 - 14.45
GMT

Opening Panel: Deal drivers and challenges in Germany

14.45 - 15.15
GMT

Case study: ECM – The process behind the listing

15.15 - 15.45
GMT

Fireside chat: Distressed M&A

15.45 - 16.15
GMT

Networking coffee

16.15 - 17.00
GMT

Panel: The changing face of private equity activity in Germany

17.00 - 17.45
GMT

Panel: Exploring the German financing landscape

17.45 - 18.30
GMT

Chair’s wrap up followed by networking drinks