The oil and gas sector was on the brink of radical change even before the COVID-19 pandemic crushed global demand for energy. Soon, traditional players may be as interested in bargains in the oil patch as they are in opportunities in renewables. 

While some potential buyers of tech assets have put their M&A plans on hold as a result of the coronavirus, the non-stop digitalization of our lives has continued to foster an arms race. Many non-tech companies are examining how they will leverage technology in the future and are positioning themselves to play a leading role once the uncertainty settles.

China’s overall M&A activity cooled significantly in Q2 2020, but life sciences companies continue to be coveted. As trade tensions and protectionist policies elsewhere make it more difficult to attract foreign direct investment, domestic PE funds have stepped in to fill the void, looking to take advantage of a still-ripening opportunity.

Fundraising for private equity has not been easy amidst the pandemic, but it is continuing. Dealmaking, unfortunately, is another story. In this Q&A session, Dr. Matthias Jaletzke, Frankfurt-based Hogan Lovells partner, Global Head of our Private Equity & Funds practice, and Head of the Private Capital industry sector, discusses several operational hurdles that are contributing to hesitancy in M&A.