Energy, Resources, & Utilities Industry

Semiconductors power many different types of electronics, which have become critical components in an era where more and more products rely on connected technologies. The production of semiconductors involves companies that design the chips, manufacture them, and supply the needed technologies, materials, and machinery.  

Global demand for electricity is forecast to rise faster over the next three years, growing by an average of 3.4% annually through 2026, driven by an improving economic outlook. The worldwide energy market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.84% from 2024 to 2028.

In the wake of persistently low deal activity over the past two years, the dealmaking landscape is showing signs of change. As interest rates stabilise, inflation falls, and markets become less volatile, dealmakers are presented with new opportunities and challenges.

Explore the latest insights and trends shaping the 2024 M&A landscape in our newest article. Discover key strategies and predictions that could redefine business acquisitions this year. Stay informed and ahead of the curve with Benchmark International's comprehensive outlook.

Electrical contractors are a vital component of the construction industry and support broader economies. These businesses employ many workers and generate billions of dollars annually by providing essential services that power societal infrastructure, includingdesigning, installing, and maintaining electrical systems that power residential, commercial, and community functions. As economies continue to grow and the demand for electrical services increases, the electrical contracting market expects continuous growth in future years.

In 2021, the global space market was valued at $388.50 billion and is expected to reach $540.75 billion by 2026. The sector has expanded by an impressive 70% between 2010 and 2020. The space economy is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.84% between 2022 and 2026. Analysts also predict that the space industry will reach $1 trillion in annual revenue by the year 2040, with launch costs lowered by 95%. As the cost of accessing space falls, opportunities for expansion and innovation will increase. The fastest growth is predicted to stem from new space applications and industries.

The multi-trillion dollar global oil and gas industry has shown solid growth in recent years for several reasons, including surging crude oil and natural gas production, growth in emerging markets, ongoing expansion of the petrochemical industry, government support, more research exploration, and increased investment into oil and gas exploration in developing countries. And, as long as interest rates remain low in developed countries, it will have a positive effect on the oil and gas sector.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed to the world just how unprepared entire business sectors can be when it comes to unexpected events of mass proportion and just how delicate our global supply chains actually are. COVID has been a health crisis that impacted lives, economies, and industries. Climate-driven events and disasters occur on a more concentrated scale but have proven to be extremely costly and disruptive to multiple sectors in various geographies—a problem that appears to be growing more prevalent.  

When financial buyers think of HVAC contractors, they see an industry ripe for consolidation. The trend of HVAC consolidation started a few years ago and has not slowed down.

In December 2020, U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette told CNBC's Hadley Gamble that American shale producers should be concerned about their industry's future.[1] Secretary Brouillette stated: “…there are some in Congress who are going to drive a climate policy that's going to be very aggressive. So there may be a concern on the part of those folks, I know the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) movement is very strong.” Secretary Brouillette also added that, “The investment money may become a bit more difficult to get,” and, “Those are all policies where we’ll have to wait and see what happens with this new Congress.”

The global energy mix is comprised of the oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), coal, renewable energy, and electricity sectors. The landscape of this industry has seen a great deal of change over the years and is primed for even more change in the future. In recent years, fossil fuels accounted for around 80% of global primary energy. This number is targeted to decline, with large growth in the natural gas and renewable energy sectors, especially wind and solar. However, a rising global population and economic growth make it challenging for renewables to keep up with demand, meaning that fossil fuels will remain a primary source as energy demand will rise one percent yearly over the next 20 years.

The global mining sector employs millions of people worldwide, and its role in the global economy continues to evolve significantly. Standard functions in the mining industry include the production of metals and metals investing and trading. Additionally, a strong correlation exists between the global mining industry and other industries. For example, elements such as copper, nickel, and aluminum are core components used in the construction, aviation, automobile, and other industries. In areas where mining is more concentrated, the industry plays a more important role in local economies.

The renewable energy industry is one of considerable expansion. Global efforts to cut back on the use of non-renewable energy and to reduce carbon emissions are proven to stimulate investment and growth.As the world’s energy needs continue to change, the opportunities for mergers and acquisitions continue to evolve. And as the big technology companies get involved in renewable investments, major oil and gas companies follow their lead.

Population and economic growth drive the global demand for energy. Nuclear energy is the world's second largest source of low-carbon power and it makes up 11% of the world’s electricity generation. Around 50 countries use nuclear energy, and there are hundreds of nuclear reactors in operation around the world.

As the world calls more and more for renewable energy sources to replace carbon-burning fossil fuels, the industries of solar and hydroelectric power offer important alternatives, as well as opportunities for mergers and acquisitions.

Renewable energy transactions are on the rise as the demand for clean, sustainable energy grows around the world. Europe in particular has seen a surge in investments into wind power as big oil and gas companies try to shift to renewables. And there is significant competition in North America for high-priority assets. Both offshore and onshore wind investments are relatively safe as far as mergers and acquisitions because demand continues to rise in emerging markets as the worldwide weaning off of fossil fuels is certainly not going to happen overnight.

The global oil and gas industry is expected to remain relatively stable in 2019, even amid oversupply risks and volatile pricing, as oil demand continues to increase. Oil usage is expected to grow by more than 3.5 million barrels per day.

The HVAC industry is considered to be very stable at this moment in time. Many experts believe the outlook for both buying and selling parties will remain positive. As public interest and government regulations continue to push for energy-efficient designs and products, deployment of more advanced cost-effective HVAC systems has increased. This is expected to drive consolidation of HVAC organisations as they look to increase their ability to scale and grow in both commercial and residential markets. Despite uncertainty surrounding a possible recession, there has been no signs of slowing in the M&A industry amongst HVAC businesses.

A study by Private Equity Info has identified the top 10 industries that private equity firms have been acquiring during 2018. Below is a breakdown of the industries along with why they have been so popular with private equity firms.

7-Eleven Inc, the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry, recently announced that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Sunoco LP. As part of the agreement, 7-Eleven will acquire approximately 1,108 convenience stores located in 18 states.