Automotive

Open-minded

Working for many years with leading suppliers and OEMs, and more recently with new digital players, we have built up an extensive network and knowledge of the sector, becoming a trusted adviser for many of the world’s leading automotive players. Our unique automotive transaction experience covers virtually every system and component of a vehicle, all relevant materials and process technologies.

As the industry goes through unprecedented change driven by megatrends such as emission reduction, electrification, autonomous driving and connectivity, this fast-changing market calls for an open-minded approach to business strategy and a willingness to collaborate and embrace different perspectives. It also calls for a need to think holistically to make the best decisions, and for flexible, responsive and agile advice from a team which uses its deep knowledge of the industry to deliver the very best outcomes.

The globalised nature of the automotive industry is reflected in our vast international, cross-border deal experience, involving sellers, buyers and targets from all parts of the world.

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Our latest transactions

We’re grateful for the significant commitment and dedication we received from Clearwater.

Andre Deloch, Partner, Heidelberg Capital

Our Automotive Team

Clearwater’s experience and expertise played an important role in finding the right partner and achieving a successful transaction.
Angel Robleño, CEO, Grupo Sunviauto

With offices in Europe, the US and Asia, our automotive team can deliver seamless, integrated global advice to SME/owner-managed, corporate and private equity clients.

See our team

#1

worldwide automotive M&A adviser by deal count

35%

cross-border deals

within the last 5 years

20

completed deals with Asian buyers or targets

in the last 10 years

Insights

  • Automotive Newsletter Q4 2023

    Throughout Q4 2023, a price reduction of automotive-relevant raw materials could be observed, compared to the peak. The current environment remains challenging, especially for medium-sized suppliers, due to price increases, shortage of skilled labour, and other issues such as high inflation and increasing refinancing costs.

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  • Automotive Newsletter Q3 2023

    Throughout Q3 2023, European OEMs and suppliers have continued to grapple with the persistent burden of cost pressures and substantial investments, impacting profit margins and liquidity.

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  • Automotive Newsletter Q2 2023

    The European automotive market is subject to opposing developments, on the one hand, the pressures on supply chains, and the availability of preliminary products and raw materials are easing however, on the other hand, the lower pre-COVID-19 cost level is looking unattainable.

    Read more