Mergers & Acquisitions in September 2014

The third quarter of 2014 ended with a total of 279 deals publically announced for the month of September.

The most notable deal of the month was the £450 million acquisition of Channel 5 Broadcasting Ltd by New York-headquartered Viacom International Media Networks Inc. Viacom is involved in the production, broadcasting and promotion of key brands such as MTV and Nickelodeon and the deal will see them add Channel 5, 5USA and 5* to its portfolio.

The acquisition of Channel 5 Broadcasting accelerates Viacom’s strategy in the UK, one of the world’s most important and valuable media markets,” said Viacom President and CEO Philippe Dauman.

September also saw the announcement that Ferguson Group Ltd was acquired by Australian supply-chain logistics company Brambles Limited for an enterprise value of £320 million. The Ferguson Group brand, which is well recognised for quality of service, support and for the standard of its asset fleets, will be maintained as a distinct business stream within Brambles.