Autotech 2019: Shift in Buyer Pool as Tech Giants Join the Race to Own the Vehicle of the Future

• Amazon, Apple, Uber and Tesla investments in autonomous driving, electric vehicles and battery expertise challenging Tier 1s and OEMs in 1H2019
• Mobility and fleet management transactions rebound, with 17 transactions in 1H2019
 
 

London, UK – 25 September 2019. The first half of 2019 has seen automotive technology deal-making news led by major tech giants challenging traditional OEMs for ‘ownership’ of the vehicles of the future, says Hampleton Partners’ latest report on Automotive Technology M&A.

Hampleton Partners, the international technology mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance advisors, noted that deal volumes were stable at just under 50 transactions. In addition, investments by Uber, Amazon and Tesla – plus on-going rumours of Apple’s development of an autonomous vehicle software system – garnered the headlines. Not only did they invest in core automotive technology; they also targeted the supporting industries which will allow autonomous and electric vehicle technology to go mainstream.

Pre-IPO Uber strengthened its geographic reach with the acquisition of Careem for $3.1 billion – the largest autotech deal recorded so far in 2019 (subject to regulatory approval) and an opportunity for Uber to own the digital mobility markets of the Middle East.

Amazon led a $700 million financing round into electric vehicle start-up, Rivian, to help scale a serious competitor to Tesla. Amazon also participated in the $530m funding round into Aurora, a self-driving car technology unicorn.

Meanwhile, Tesla, the pioneer in electric vehicles, acquired additional battery know-how by snapping up Maxwell Technologies to strengthen its leading position in this growth market.

Over the past 30 months, there were 236 active acquirers, with 44 of those making more than one purchase. The most acquisitive companies were KAR Auction Services (five acquisitions), Daimler (five) and Ford (four).

Jo Goodson, managing director, Hampleton Partners, said:

“The unexceptional transaction volumes conceal a seismic shift in the makeup of investors and buyers in the race to own the vehicle of the future. Now, new faces such as Apple and Uber abound, while Tier 1 suppliers – previously highly active in the space – have reduced their deal-making activity, at least temporarily. In addition, many corporates are hedging their bets earlier by extending their corporate venture capital operations to automotive technology.  

“Financial investors are also demonstrating confidence in the viability of the sector and the potential for positive cashflows."
 

• Tire manufacturers have entered the M&A race, asdemonstrated by Bridgestone’s acquisition of Tom Tom’s telematics arm for $1 billion and Michelin’s acquisition of Masternaut, the fleet telematics company.
• Micromobility solutions continue to proliferate in urban environments, as providers receive billion-dollar valuations.
• LIDAR technology:the cost of sensors is decreasing, especially as players are closing large fundraises and the market becomes ever more competitive.
   

Mobility and fleet management transactions have boomeranged compared with a slight decline late last year, to reach a record of 17 transactions during 1H2019, with deal sizes notably seeing a boost.

A new entrant into this M&A market segment is I.D.Systems, an American company providing vehicle, container and cargo tracking systems. It acquired the U.S.-based assets of CarrierWeb Services in January and Pointer Telocation to help achieve its strategy of gaining market share in the growing mobile IoT, connected car, and telematics markets.
 

Hampleton Partners concluded:

“Despite the clouds in the sky, namely declining vehicle sales in several key markets, we do not anticipate any slowdown in autotech M&A for the remainder of this year or into early 2020. In fact, we see a bright future for those working in the customer retention and CRM space, as OEM marketing budgets will be searching for great solutions to retain current customers and attract new leads.”
 

Jane Henry
Email: jane@marylebonemarketing.com
Mob: +44 789 666 8155
www.marylebonemarketing.com 

Note to editors
Hampleton Partners’ Automotive Technology M&A Market Report 2H 2019 is compiled using data and information from the 451 Research database (www.451research.com), and CapitalIQ, a product of S&P Global.

Download the full Hampleton Partners’ Automotive Technology M&A Market Report: https://www.hampletonpartners.com/reports/autotech-report/.
 

Hampleton Partners is at the forefront of international mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance advisory for companies with technology at their core. Hampleton’s experienced deal makers have built, bought and sold over 100 fast-growing tech businesses and provide hands-on expertise and unrivalled advice to tech entrepreneurs and companies which are looking to accelerate growth and maximise value.

With offices in London, Frankfurt and San Francisco, Hampleton offers a global perspective with sector expertise in: Automotive Technology, AI, Cybersecurity, Fintech, Healthtech, Hi-Tech Industrials & Industry 4.0, IoT, VR/AR,, Digital Marketing, Enterprise Software, SaaS & Cloud and eCommerce.

Follow Hampleton on LinkedIn and Twitter.