Poles took over 22 companies in Western Europe last year
Polish companies acquired 22 firms in Western Europe last year, a record high, with four more deals currently underway, Bloomberg reports. An increasing number of takeovers involve German businesses. The trend reflects Poland’s growing economic strength, now valued at around $1 trillion, making it one of the largest economies in the region.
Slower growth in Germany has created acquisition opportunities for well-capitalized Polish firms. Since joining the EU in 2004, Poland has significantly narrowed the income gap with Germany, while its economy grew 3.6% last year compared with just 0.2% in Germany. Analysts compare Poland’s trajectory to South Korea’s, noting that Polish firms are shifting from emerging-market status toward strategic expansion through acquiring established Western brands.
