MediaRadar Blog

Advertising Mergers & Acquisitions: Sept. 1-7, 2018

Advertising Mergers & Acquisitions: Sept. 1-7, 2018

In our last report from the month of August, we saw another 145 deals tracked for a disclosed value of $49.6 billion. The largest deal of the month was arguably Walmart’s $16 billion acquisition of India’s Flipkart Marketplace. 22 software brands were acquired last month, making software the most active sector. Now, let’s take a look at the completed, announced, and rumored mergers and acquisitions from the first week of September.

Completed Deals

These deals have gone through all the necessary steps and have been completed.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide logo

  • ILG, Inc. Acquired by Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation

Marriott Vacations Worldwide (NYSE: VAC), a leading timeshare company, has acquired ILG, Inc., a prominent provider of leisure services and vacation experiences, for $4.6 billion. The acquisition will significantly expand Marriott Vacation’s global footprint; the combined company will be the global licensee of seven luxury vacation brands, including Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, among other highly recognizable brands. Together, the companies will include exchange networks and membership programs comprised of nearly 3,200 resorts in over 80 nations and approximately two million members.

Announcements and Updates

These deals have been announced, but they are still subject to varying levels of approval. While it is likely that they will eventually close, there is a chance that they may be called off or altered. There are also updates to previously announced deals.

Premium Brands logo

  • Ready Seafood Co. Being Acquired by Premium Brands Holdings Corporation

Premium Brands Holdings Corporation (OTC: PRBZF), a Canadian specialty food maker and distributor, has entered into an agreement to acquire Ready Seafood Co., a leading processor, distributor, and marketer of lobsters. Ready hopes to leverage Premium Brands’ established leadership team, vision, and market position to solidify their long-term viability in the industry. Following the acquisition, which is expected to close in the next four weeks, Premium Brands will expand Ready’s operations across Canada and to the U.S. East coast.

Rumor Mill

This section contains potential deals that are rumored to be in the works, although nothing has been confirmed.

GameStop logo

  • GameStop is Reportedly Looking to Go Private

According to Fortune, GameStop, Inc. (NYSE: GME) is the latest major retailer to run into financial troubles and is likely looking to make a sale to go private. GameStop’s sales have been declining for quite some time amid consumers changing their buying behaviors for video games. The company has been evaluating strategic options, and Apollo Global and Sycamore Partners have emerged as two likely suitors interested in purchasing the company.