From Singapore consumer-led innovation in window solutions to going global: mc.2

Source: mc.2. Blinds installed at
the Warren Golf and Country Club
in Singapore.

Wilson Chew, founder, Singapore-based mc.2, pivoted from electronics retail to window solutions in 2017. He had noticed that balcony spaces in homes and offices in Singapore were underutilised because of heat, monsoon rain and persistent humidity, inspiring him to invest in purpose-built solutions designed specifically for Singapore's conditions. 

Instead of selling through samples and catalogues as was traditional for his competitors, Chew opened Singapore's first smart blinds and curtains fashion gallery in 2018, enabling home owners and businesses to see everything in person. The 4,200 sq ft showroom space showcased the first locally-researched and manufactured outdoor zip blind system in Singapore among other solutions, signalling that mc.2 understood how to address unmet needs in practical ways.

The brand's latest solution is the MAGNAZip+ system of zip blinds, which is engineered specifically for tropical conditions. The product features magnetic anti-crease technology and an eight-year warranty. According to mc.2, ordinary zip blinds lose tension over time, causing creases. Ultimately, gaps can appear, allowing wind and rain to get in.  

"Beyond residential homes, we’re also seeing growing interest from businesses looking to create more comfortable and functional spaces with zip blinds. From clubhouses and cafés to retail storefronts and commercial spaces, many are turning to zip blinds not just for their sleek aesthetic, but also for practical benefits such as improved weather protection, reduced heat and glare, added privacy, and better energy efficiency," shared Chew, MD, mc.2.

The company was acquired in May by Hunter Douglas, a manufacturer of window coverings and architectural window products operating in over 100 countries. 

"Joining Hunter Douglas marks a defining moment for mc.2. This is not just about growth, but about elevating the standards of window furnishings in Singapore. With their global expertise behind us, we are in a stronger position to lead the next phase of innovation in the market," said Chew. 

High early-stage M&A activity in APAC in Q416

• Early-stage mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region is showing the highest increase at 44% compared to the same period last year
• India outperforms other APAC countries with yyear-over-year (YoY) growth of 100%
• Globally, 1H 17 M&A announcements are expected to increase by 6%

Source: Intralinks. Cover for the report.

The Intralinks Deal Flow Predictor, a forecast of future M&A announcements, predicts a 6% increase in the total number of M&A deals to be announced globally in 1H17 compared to 1H16, setting a new record in the number of global announced deals in the first half of a year.

The APAC region, with 44% YoY growth in early-stage M&A activity in Q416, is the top performing region for early-stage M&A activity, and is set to contribute heavily to 1H17’s expected record deal count. Strong performances from India, Southeast Asia, Australia and Japan are predicted. This level of YoY growth in early-stage M&A activity is the highest in APAC for almost five years. In terms of sectors, financials, consumer & retail and healthcare will fuel the growth in APAC M&A deals announced in Q217.

“While almost all parts of APAC showed double-digit YoY growth, India once again proved to be the fastest growing country in the region, a position it has held for three consecutive quarters, with YoY growth of 100%,” said Philip Whitchelo, VP Strategy and Product Marketing at Intralinks.

"Other parts of APAC contributing to the significant growth that we are seeing in early-stage M&A activity include Southeast Asia which is up 49%, Australia up 47%, and Japan up 33%."

The Intralinks Deal Flow Predictor forecasts the number of future M&A deal announcements by tracking early-stage M&A activity – sell side M&A transactions across the world that are in preparation or have reached the due diligence stage. These early-stage deals are, on average, six months away from their public announcement. The Intralinks Deal Flow Predictor has been independently verified by Decision Economics as an accurate predictor of future changes in the global number of announced M&A transactions.

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Waves in China to impact M&A: Intralinks APAC respondents

Respondents from the Asia Pacific region (APAC) have predicted that economic and market events in China will have the most impact on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in the region over the next six months.

This is according to the results of a survey of over 1,600 global dealmakers involved in M&A released by Intralinks, a global provider of M&A deal management and secure content collaboration solutions. The survey was carried out between October 4 and 11, 2016 and covered the Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, the Middle East and Africa, North America and Latin America regions.

“There’s clearly an overwhelming consensus among dealmakers that Hillary Clinton will be the next US President and that Donald Trump would be bad for global M&A,” said Philip Whitchelo, VP Strategy & Product Marketing at Intralinks. “However, factors other than US politics are also dominating dealmakers’ attentions, with the UK’s Brexit vote, monetary policy changes and the impact of China on the global economy being top of mind for many,” he added.

APAC results from the survey include:

· More than half (51%) of respondents expect to participate in more deals in the next six months than the previous six months

· Nearly nine in 10 (86%) respondents think Hillary Clinton will win the US presidential election

· About six in 10 (59%) respondents believe the impact of a Trump presidency on the M&A market in their region would be negative

· Two thirds (66%) of respondents believe a Clinton presidency would have no impact on the M&A market in their region [28% positive, 6% negative]

At a global level, 56% of respondents believe that a Trump presidency would have a negative impact on M&A activity, and 15% believe that he will win. Conversely, 57% of respondents globally believe a Clinton presidency would have no impact on M&A activity, with 26% of dealmakers stating a Clinton presidency would have a positive impact on M&A activity.