Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1473479
30 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2022 Feature Interview by Nolan Johnson I-CONNECT007 In this enlightening conversation with M&A specialist Tom Kastner, Nolan Johnson learns that it's a buyer's market—and a seller's mar- ket too. is sets up an interesting dynamic no matter which side you might be on. What trends are in play that have led to this situation and how can you make the most of it? Tom shares valuable insights that will get you think- ing and planning your own strategies. Nolan Johnson: Tom, if PCB fabs are actively planning to expand their business in response to the current market, and if they're looking for investment money, where is that money? Is this a good time to invest, and why? Tom Kastner: I'm very bullish on the PC board industry and the EMS industry, but then I'm very bullish on the entire U.S. electron- ics industry. Coincidentally, I think it's both a good time to sell and a good time to buy. Johnson: Why is it both a good time to sell and a good time to buy? Kastner: Recently, we represented a fabricator and an EMS company in their sale to a strategic buyer in the industry. For sellers, especially for companies that are doing well, it's a good mar- ket. For companies that are not doing so well, whether they're smaller or just not as profit- able, there's still a lot of liquidity for all types of companies. Whether they're growing and very profitable, or maybe not growing so much and not so profitable, there's still a lot of liquidity for both. Today's M&A: Right on Target