In this article, we take a look at the 5 most acquisitive public companies in the US. For more on this, go to 15 Most Acquisitive Public Companies in the US.
5. Meta
Meta, previously called Facebook, needs no introduction. Having active 2.9 billion users worldwide, Meta is the world’s largest social network. Through acquiring many major brands recently, Meta has been able to sustain its market share and power in the tech industry. As of the first quarter of 2023, worth $616.50 billion, Meta has made more than 90 significant acquisitions since 2005, according to S&P Global. Two of the biggest acquisition achievements include Instagram and WhatsApp, being bought at $1 billion and $19 billion, respectively.
4. Amazon
Amazon is regarded as one of the giant e-commerce companies worldwide. Having no big competition, Amazon stands (Q1 of 2023) at a substantial $1.08 trillion worth, and to date, the company has acquired more than 95 companies since 1998. One of the top grabs was ‘Whole Foods Market.’ Amazon paid $13.7 billion to purchase this brand, a network of natural and organic food supermarkets. A recent acquisition is ‘MGM Studio’ that the company bought for $8.45 billion.
3. Alphabet Inc. (Google)
Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has made several noteworthy acquisitions over the years to diversify its business and enhance its capabilities. The business has already acquired more than 200 prospective businesses. Having no issues with reserves, the company stands at $1.368 trillion market value as of Q1, 2023, and in 2005 and 2006, it took a huge step in the acquisition that made it successful over the coming years.
In the former year, Alphabet purchased ‘Android’ for a mere $50 million. In comparison to the purchases it made in the 17 years that followed, Google’s purchasing of Android for approx. $50 million is astonishing. In the latter year, the company acquired YouTube for $1.65 billion. The success of Alphabet in online video advertising was made possible by this purchase, which also assisted the company in growing its footprint in the media and video sectors.
2. Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft stands at a significant market cap of $2.284 trillion as of Q1, 2023. Among the 250 acquisitions that Microsoft conducted since 1987, the top three were Linkedin, Skype, and Nokia. These were bought for $26.2 billion, $8.5 billion, and $7.2 billion, respectively. Microsoft has a clear strategic goal and is always seeking to improve its capabilities and diversify its product offerings. To accomplish its objectives and stay ahead of the competition, the corporation has a lengthy history of making strategic acquisitions.
1. Apple Inc.
There are multiple reasons why Apple is ahead in the race of most acquisitive public companies in the US. Standing at $2.684 trillion as of the first quarter of 2023, Apple’s income is increasing along with the demand for its products and services (including iPhones, etc.). Having a tremendous financial reserve, the company has been able to acquire more than 100 companies to date. Although these all are potential acquisitions, one of the most influential grabs is ‘Siri’ a virtual assistant app. It was bought for $200 million in 2010; this acquisition helped Apple to improve its capabilities in AI and natural language processing.
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