A study on global industrial landscape changes through M&A convergence analysis

This study examines the changes in the global industrial landscape over the last decade using global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) data. Accordingly, we use M&A convergence analysis, a rare approach in cross-industry convergence analyses. First, we employ the association rule mining technique to examine the strength and characteristics of intra- and inter-industry convergences, and the results yield significant industry combinations. Additionally, we present an indicator to assess the industry convergence maturity and evaluate it in practice. Then, we apply the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory technique to trace the role of each industry in the entire M&A network and analyse the changes before and after the 2008 financial crisis. We find that the inter-industry convergence increased, and the boundaries between industries faded. These results can be used to quantify the movements toward both intra- and inter-industry convergence in the current business world and predict the direction of structural changes in the future global industrial landscape.