Analysis
Industrials M&A update: Q4 2024
Increasing concern over the environmental footprint of chemical processes is driving a shift toward the adoption of green chemical practices, such as using bio-based feedstocks, recyclable and compostable materials, and less energy-intensive processes.
Industrial trends
- Automotive
New vehicle sales in 2024 finished at close to 16 million units, according to estimates from Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book, an increase of more than 2.0% from 2023 and the best year for auto sales volume since the pandemic.1 - Engineering and construction
Residential construction is expected to grow by about 10.0% in 2025, while total US construction project starts are projected to finish 2024 at 8.5%..2
- Distribution, transportation, and logistics
The potential of an increase in tariffs is prompting many importers and exporters to ship inventory early to avoid the hikes.3
- Metal, plastics, and paper packaging
Larger firms are acquiring smaller, specialized manufacturers and distributors to enhance product portfolios and expand geographic footprint.4 - Specialty channels
Nanotechnology is revolutionizing specialty chemicals by enabling the design and development of advanced materials with unique molecular structures.5
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References
1 Cox Automotive, “2025 Cox Automotive forecasts,” December 17, 2024.
2 Michael Guckes, “US Construction Starts: 2025 growth forecast by sector,” ConstructConnect, November 20, 2024.
3 Fraser Paget, “2025 predictions for the transport and logistics industry,” BDO, December 27, 2024.
4 Mordor Intelligence, US Packaging Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025–2030), accessed January 8, 2025.
5 Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence, “The future of specialty chemicals: Key trends and innovations shaping the industry,” September 26, 2024.
Previous editions
- Industrials M&A update Q3 2024
- Industrials M&A update Q2 2024
- Industrials M&A update Q1 2024
- Industrials M&A update Q4 2023
- Industrials M&A update Q3 2023
- Industrials M&A update Q2 2023
- Industrials M&A update Q1 2023
- Industrials M&A update Q4 2022
- Industrials M&A update Q3 2022
- Industrials M&A update Q2 2022
- Industrials M&A update Q1 2022
- Industrials M&A update Q4 2021
- Industrials M&A update: Q3 2021
- Industrials M&A update: Q2 2021
- Industrials M&A update: Q1 2021
- Industrials M&A update: Q4 2020
- Industrials M&A update: Q2 2020
- Industrials M&A update: Q1 2020
- Industrials M&A update: Q4 2019
- Industrials M&A update: Q2 2019
- Industrials M&A update: Q1 2019
- Industrials M&A update: Q4 2018
- Industrials M&A update: Q3 2018
- Industrials M&A update: Q2 2018
- Industrials M&A update: Q1 2018
- Industrials M&A update: Q4 2017
- Industrials M&A update: Q3 2017
- Industrials M&A update: Q2 2017
- Industrials M&A update: Q1 2017