The record breaking heat this past summer left M&A activities cold. Signa and Hudson’s Bay agree on a merger between Karstadt and Kaufhof. Signa takes over the lead role. In addition, Signa acquires significant real estate properties from Hudson’s Bay. Via Warwick, Morgan Stanley submits a takeover offer for all shares of the logistics company VTG. Haniel prepares its withdrawal from retailer group Metro with the disposal of a 7.3% share participation and the granting of a call option for an additional 15.2% of the group’s shares to the Czech firm EP Global Commerce. The acquirer secures an additional 9% Metro package from the co-shareholder Ceconomy. The Hymer family sells its RV business, valued at approx. EUR 2.1 billion, to its competitor Thor Industries. Schwarz Group’s entry into Tönsmeier, a waste disposal company, could alter the recycling business in Germany. Continue Reading