Since 2021, Atos – one of the world’s largest TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecom) companies – has lost three-quarters of its stock market value, after ten years of fast-paced acquisitions. The global group is now following in IBM’s footsteps and splitting into two listed entities: Atos, which will prioritise the ‘old,’ such as managed infrastructure- and professional services; and Evidian, which will be future-focused on digital transformation, big data and cybersecurity. We believe this is a cautionary tale for other incumbents using acquisitions to accrue new capabilities quickly – cultures don’t integrate easily.

What will the cars of the future look like? Could they run on cold fusion? Will vehicles even exist, or will they be replaced by travel via the Metaverse? For now, there are many horses running the race to carry the automotive industry into its next big growth phase. And electrification seems like the safest bet, even if it’s a ‘stop gap’ to something greater. What this all means? The automotive sector has emerged from its sluggish state and is entering a new period of prolonged cyclical reinvention. This bodes well for M&A activity, especially for innovative new entrants.