The experts within our Plastics and Advanced Materials Group maintain ongoing contact with a wide range of knowledgeable sources to stay abreast of the issues and trends that could impact the industry’s M&A climate or otherwise influence our clients’ businesses.  Following are a few of the topics addressed in our most recent Plastics and Advanced Materials Industry Review, which is published quarterly.

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Plastics and Advanced Materials (2009: Q4) (View complete report)

Introduction

It is no secret that the last 12 to 24 months have taken quite a toll on all industrial sectors and the broader U.S. and global economy for that matter.  The Plastics and Advanced Materials sector was no different although there were certainly some bright spots and reasons to remain enthusiastic as we look back over 2009.  The general plastics sector has taken a more pronounced clubbing due to its higher exposure to markets such as automotive and consumer discretionary products.  The Composites & Advanced Materials space also saw its fair share of challenges and hurdles as well.  Though these challenges were somewhat end market related as well, this side of the sector also suffered from the fact that it is by and large a relatively young industry.  And, as we have seen in the past, less established companies in emerging industries often get hit the hardest when times are toughest. 

However, we feel (as do most capital markets practitioners) that the worst has indeed passed and that we are well on the path to recovery.  So, for companies that have been able to survive to this point, there is much to be optimistic about and little time to waste.  Read on to learn more about some of what has us genuinely enthusiastic about what the New Year has in store.