Why Most Valuations Are Fiction — And Cash Flow Is the Only Truth For years, markets have been driven by one dominant narrative: valuation equals value. Multiples expanded.Discount rates collapsed.Liquidity flooded the system. And suddenly, everything was worth more. At least on paper. The Great Illusion Valuations are often presented as objective truth — built…
In 2024, the M&A market in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) showed a mix of challenges and opportunities. While the macroeconomic environment was shaped by high interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty, and a fluctuating economic cycle, mergers and acquisitions activity remained notably resilient—albeit below the long-term average. Overall activity and the number of deals…
The M&A market in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) in 2023 was shaped by a challenging macroeconomic environment. Rising interest rates, tighter financing markets, and valuation resets led to lower overall transaction momentum. At the same time, the market proved resilient: strategic buyers and private equity investors remained active—with a clear focus on quality, cash flows, and robust business models. Deal count and market activity. In…