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eDiscovery viewpoint

India’s young, growing workforce and China’s ageing population put Asia’s two great economies at either end of the age dividend. Partners at Grant Thornton discuss the consequences for each of their countries.

Kenya’s economy is becoming more dynamic. For businesses seeking to expand, it could be the perfect stepping stone into the region.

The 2015 Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR), a global survey of 2500 business leaders in 35 economies, has revealed that over the past 12 months more than 15% of businesses across the world have suffered a cyber-attack, costing a total of more than $300 billion (link). That's just the measurable costs. Who knows what the reputational damage, loss of trust and custom adds up to.

In light of growing international interest and scrutiny of corporate practices we set out to explore how three major aspects of governance – the role of culture, board composition and strategic planning – are affecting businesses around the world.

At the G20 summit in Australia last November, global leaders reaffirmed a commitment they made in 2010 to tackle the negative impact of corruption on economic growth, trade and development. In this roundtable debate, Grant Thornton partners from Brazil, India and South Africa discuss how businesses can behave in an ethical manner and thrive, in spite of corrupt practices.

The European Commission (EC) recently announced plans to explore creating more integrated and deeper capital markets across its 28 Member States. Targeting a 2019 launch, the Capital Markets Union (CMU) aims to streamline financial markets and allow businesses access to more diverse financing sources, regardless of geographic location within the EU. Grant Thornton recently submitted recommendations to the EC on those efforts we believe can most help mid-sized businesses (MSBs) benefit from the proposal.

Companies are increasingly focused on high-quality strategic transactions, with less time spent on investigating peripheral opportunities, according to our International Business Report (IBR), a survey of 5,400+ business leaders in 35 economies.

Private equity has always focused on creating value and helping promote growth in portfolio companies. Since the industry began, private equity firms have tried many ways to meet this ultimate objective – and with varying success. Now, post the global financial crisis, the question being asked more than ever is: how can private equity deliver its value-added promises?

Nathan Goode welcome growth opportunities extra government scrutiny brings

We launched our annual M&A report – ‘Dynamic businesses at the forefront of M&A optimism’ – in Hong Kong last week. The report has provoked a good deal of debate and I just wanted to share two highlights from the data.

Dynamic businesses at the forefront of M&A activity highlights an increasing importance for M&A in driving growth. There is a clear acknowledgment from the 12,500 businesses surveyed that acquisitions will be needed to supplement existing operations.

Last month I chaired a panel of leading figures from the Private Equity (PE) sector to launch our 2013/14 Global Private Equity report: ‘A time of challenge & opportunity’.

The appetite for cross-border deals has rocketed by 18% during the past 12 months. This is the key finding from our latest research that looks at attitudes to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) among business leaders worldwide.

Stefano Salvadeo was interviewed on Focus Economia di Radio 24 recently to discuss some positive indicators regarding M&A activity in Italy.

Thinking outside the Big Blue box. Scott Barnes responds to UK Competition Commission proposals.