Blackstone’s acquisition of Winthrop Technologies in an €800 million deal helped enhance the Irish mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity for the second quarter of the year, fresh data indicates. Davy, a stockbroker, noted a 21 per cent rise with 108 Irish companies being part of M&A activity, compared to 89 in the preceding quarter. Barry O’Halloran has reviewed this business data.
Innovatively, pubs are increasingly transforming into a solution for Ireland’s housing problem. Close to 100 closed pubs are currently being converted into houses under a Government scheme aiming at devoid business spaces. They are part of the wider 1,165 commercial spots which received planning exemptions since 2018. This could result in around 2,700 homes in Ireland. Mark Hilliard covers this report.
Shifting focus back to housing, one expert foresees a tough task for the Government in achieving its housing construction goals for the year, although new housing construction has seen a rise. The construction industry demonstrated a ‘stabilisation’ pattern in July, as suggested by BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland Construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI). Barry explains this in detail.
Investors gambled around €218 million on Irish firms during the three months till June end, a fresh document reveals. Venture capitalists increased their activities in the Republic in the year’s second quarter, reported KPMG accountants. Barry covers this story as well.
In a sad turn of events, Susan Wojcicki, a pioneering personality at Google and later YouTube, instrumental in Meta’s growth to its current mega stature, has passed away at 56.
Lastly, Gillian Tett explores the influence of economic policy on the recent volatile trading events around the world after last week’s market fluctuations.
Pilita Clarke elucidates her disenchantment with electric vehicles, despite Tesla’s pioneering work in the field, attributing her change of heart to the unpredictable traits of Tesla’s proprietor, Elon Musk. On a different note, Shane O’Sullivan, the Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Management Institute, highlights the impending transformation of our work environment due to artificial intelligence. A foreseeable transformation that we’re yet to fully comprehend. However, he is optimistic that fresh regulations would position Ireland as a central player in the European Union’s expansion of AI.