CEOs to step up investment, M&A in 2022, but headwinds remain: EY

LONDON -- As the world enters a new phase in the global COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of CEOs are ready to accelerate plans for investment and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in their pursuit for growth.

The findings come from the inaugural EY 2022 CEO Outlook Survey, which recorded the views of more than 2,000 CEOs across the globe on their prospects, challenges and opportunities.

More than half of respondents (54%) will prioritise investment in existing businesses, digital transformation and sustainability, according to the survey.

In addition, more than three-quarters (79%) of respondents have adjusted, or are planning to adjust, their supply chain to help reduce costs and minimize risks to prepare for future disruption. 

Following a record year that saw US$5t worth of M&A, transactions will remain a critical tool for CEOs in 2022 ,complementing other areas of investment.

Nearly two-thirds (59%) of respondents expect their companies to pursue acquisitions in the next 12 months -- up from 48% at the start of 2021.   

CEO investment plans, however, could be thrown off course due to external risks to their business.

A majority of the surveyed CEOs (87%) appear worried about rising input prices and identify trade tensions (18%), the impact of climate change (17%) and increasing competition from challengers (13%) as the most critical risks to the future growth of their businesses.

Andrea Guerzoni, EY Global Vice-Chair - Strategy and Transactions, says: "CEOs are ready to be on the front foot when it comes to investment. At the same time the impact of the fragile global environment and the increasing cost of doing business across the board, from rising inflation to rocketing energy costs, is keeping them up at night.

"Deals will remain a key lever in CEOs' investment toolkits. Coming off a record-breaking run for M&A, many CEOs will be focussing on integrating assets acquired over the past 12 months, but CEO acquisitive intentions should ensure continued deal activity at high levels in 2022."

The suvey shows that, in the next 12 months, CEOs will be prioritising M&A deals that will improve operational capabilities (26%), and their environmental, social and governance (ESG) positioning and sustainability footprint (20%).

The US, the UK, China, India and Germany are the most favoured destinations for those CEOs looking to pursue an acquisition in 2022. Technology, health care and advanced manufacturing are the top three sectors more likely to buy assets.

Asked to identify the top trends in the M&A market in 2022, responding CEOs said that they expect an increase in hostile and competitive bidding (72%), private equity to be a major acquirer (70%), an increase in cross-sector (68%) and cross-border (65%) dealmaking, as well as more megadeals (56%).

ESG and sustainability concerns are becoming more important for dealmakers, according to the survey.

An overwhelming 99% of responding CEOs say they factor these issues into their buying strategies, while 6% of respondents say they have walked away from deals in the past year, due to ESG related concerns about the target.

At the same time, however, 65% of respondents admit that they have encountered resistance from investors and shareholders about their sustainability transition strategy; and almost a quarter (21%) say that investors are not showing support for long-term investment plans, or that they are fixated on quarterly earnings.

The full report is at ey.com/ceosurvey   (ATI)