It is one of Warren Buffett’s favourite tenets, that when it comes to investment, the majority is always wrong.   The best time to buy companies is when uncertainty is highest, not when everyone else is acquiring for dear.  The time to acquire is when buyers are fearful and owners are forced to sell by shortage of cash and hopes.

Of course, investing in the recession is easier said than done.  Now, the priority for most firms is to trim expenses and redouble sales efforts at home, rather than embark on risky foreign ventures. Banks are also overly cautious, many having closed down their acquisition finance departments for the time being… Even though, this would be the very time for them to build a structured finance franchise, as borrowers are flexible with terms.  Bargain hunting entrepreneurs are willing to pledge even their homes to finance the pickings.

These times call for CEOs and bankers, who see the opportunities and have the communication skills to sell their visions to their investors and boards. Now is the chance for empire builders to navigate to pole position to harvest in the boom years of the 2010’s, when they inevitably arrive.

To read more about mergers and acquisitions check out the latest M&A Hungary.