Inflation, the Invasion, and the Great Resignation

If M&A in 2021 seemed an irresistible force, then the geopolitical strife of 2022 might threaten to be an immovable object. There is war on the edge of Europe, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Supply chain problems caused by the pandemic created global business disruption – which the war has only made worse. The Great Resignation (another consequence of COVID) has sent quit rates soaring and wages in hot pursuit. Finally, spiking inflation rates have put business valuations into a tailspin. On paper, it looks like a perfect storm. It would be no surprise to see M&A activity stalling. But the reality is far more interesting.