Revenue Roundup - M&A Startup Market

Status in the M&A in VC-backed startups

#investments #mergers #acquisition

December's first half maintained strong M&A momentum among VC-backed startups, driven by strategic buyers prioritizing innovation and scale due to active number of PE firms offering the highest value this year with $26B+ combined deal value. Companies like BlackRock and Gallagher focused on expanding financial services and insurance footprints, highlighting consolidation trends in mature sectors. Fortinet and HubSpot targeted cybersecurity and AI solutions (e.g., Perception Point, Frame AI), reinforcing their investment in emerging technologies to enhance competitive advantage. Acquirers like AbbVie (e.g., Nimble Therapeutics) are securing biotech innovation to strengthen R&D pipelines, reflecting the sector’s resilience and growth. Transactions such as Metropolis Healthcare acquiring Core Diagnostics in India underline global expansion strategies to access new markets and capabilities. Strategic buyers continue to prioritize acquisitions that align with long-term growth and transformative innovation, particularly in tech, healthcare, and financial services.

Note: All data based on disclosed information.

Top 5 Transactions in December (First Half):

1. Gallagher Acquisition of Assured Partners | Transaction Value: $13.45B | Description: Gallagher, a global leader in insurance brokerage and risk management, acquired Assured Partners to expand its market share and strengthen its position in the commercial insurance sector. This acquisition aligns with Gallagher's strategy to consolidate its presence in high-value markets.
2. BlackRock Acquisition of HPS Investment Partners, LLC | Transaction Value: $12B | Description: BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, acquired HPS Investment Partners to enhance its private credit and alternative investment offerings. This move solidifies BlackRock's foothold in the rapidly growing private markets space.
3. Upbound Group Acquisition of Brigit | Transaction Value: $460M | Description: Upbound Group acquired Brigit, a financial health platform, to diversify its portfolio and expand into the personal finance technology space. The deal underscores Upbound’s focus on consumer financial solutions.
4. AbbVie Acquisition of Nimble Therapeutics | Transaction Value: $200M | Description: AbbVie, a global pharmaceutical giant, acquired Nimble Therapeutics to advance its peptide-based therapies pipeline. This acquisition strengthens AbbVie’s leadership in innovative drug development and precision medicine.
5. Fortinet Acquisition of Perception Point | Transaction Value: $100M | Description: Fortinet, a cybersecurity leader, acquired Perception Point, an Israeli-based email and collaboration security company, to enhance its portfolio in advanced threat protection. This deal reflects Fortinet’s commitment to innovation in the cybersecurity space.

Note: All data based on disclosed information.