Think European. Win Globally. Stay Stagnant, and You're Lost.CGPH Banque d’Affaires and the Future of Cross-Border Acquisitions in Europe

Introduction: Breaking Borders and Outdated Thinking

We live in a world where India’s population exceeds 2 billion and China follows closely at 1.5 billion. As these continental giants build global leadership, Europe risks getting stuck in a regional, fragmented mindset—unable to compete on a global scale.

Why? A deeply ingrained and outdated reflex called economic nationalism. “It’s French, it must stay French.” “It’s Italian, we keep it local.” These ideas may have made sense in the 20th century. Today, they sound obsolete.

As Mario Draghi wrote in his report for the European Commission: We must build European champions, or we will be irrelevant.

CGPH Banque d’Affaires was founded on this very principle. Based in Paris with a pan-European vision, and part of a broader financial group active in the UK, Luxembourg, and other key financial centers, CGPH Banque d’Affaires has always championed cross-border acquisitions as the key to building Europe’s future economic strength.

Major Cross-Border Acquisitions Reshaping Europe

1. Saipem + Subsea7 (Italy + Norway)

A €6 billion merger between two leaders in subsea engineering and offshore technologies, creating an energy powerhouse with global ambitions.

2. UniCredit → Commerzbank (Italy → Germany)

Italy’s largest bank attempted to acquire one of Germany’s banking giants. Despite political resistance, the message is clear: Europe needs truly pan-European financial institutions.

3. BPCE → Novo Banco (France → Portugal)

BPCE acquired 75% of Portugal’s Novo Banco for €6.4 billion—one of the most significant banking transactions in recent years, reinforcing regional integration.

4. BBVA → Sabadell (Spain → Spain, with EU-wide implications)

Though technically domestic, BBVA’s €12 billion hostile bid triggered European scrutiny, revealing the need for regulatory alignment to foster cross-border banking consolidation.

5. SIX → Aquis (Switzerland → UK)

Swiss financial services firm SIX acquired Aquis UK for £225 million, strengthening its presence in European capital markets.

6. Compass Group → Vermaat (UK → Netherlands, France, Germany)

The UK’s Compass Group acquired Vermaat for €1.5 billion, expanding its reach into Europe’s premium food services sector.

7. KKR → NetCo (USA → Italy)

American investment giant KKR acquired Telecom Italia’s fixed-line network for €22 billion—highlighting the attractiveness of European infrastructure to global investors.

Why Cross-Border Acquisitions Matter

Every time a cross-border deal is proposed, the same arguments emerge: “This company is ours. We can’t let it fall into foreign hands.”

But here’s the truth:

Ownership doesn’t carry a flag. It carries a vision.

Protecting your home market is valid—but thinking only locally is a losing strategy. In today’s global economy, fragmentation means decline. Integration means strength.

CGPH Banque d’Affaires: Catalysts for European Growth

At CGPH Banque d’Affaires, we’re committed to helping companies, funds, and entrepreneurs grow through carefully structured cross-border deals.

▪ Deep expertise in M&A and structured finance ▪ Access to a pan-European investor network

▪ Presence in France, the UK, Luxembourg, and beyond

We don’t just close deals. We build bridges across borders, legal systems, and industrial visions.

One Remark (But Not a Joke)

When someone tells us, “We’re in France, and I prefer to speak French,” we smile and say:

We understand. But the world is global. And standing still? That’s a risk you can’t afford.

Conclusion: Build Champions or Be Left Behind

Europe needs courage—not more red tape. It needs continental champions, not local silos.

Local resistance, state-controlled interference, and disguised protectionism are the real obstacles to progress.

At CGPH Banque d’Affaires, we work alongside our clients to be part of the solution.

CGPH Banque d’Affaires. The first European investment bank specialized in real estate and cross-border M&A.

If you’re an entrepreneur ready to sell or an investor looking for your next transformative acquisition, choose a partner who understands global strategy. Choose CGPH Banque d’Affaires.Connect with our team to explore how your next deal could help shape Europe’s future.