Siemens Looks to Get Into Shale Gas Boom

The video discusses Merck's strategic shift from pharmaceuticals to chemicals and plastics, highlighting their acquisition of Sigma Aldrich. It also covers Siemens' acquisition of Dresser Rand to enter the US shale energy market. The video further explores trends in mergers and acquisitions, emphasizing the role of low interest rates and corporate cash reserves in facilitating these deals.

What strategic move is the German Merck making according to the video?

• Entering the food industry

• Focusing on chemicals and plastics

• Investing in renewable energy

• Expanding into pharmaceuticals

What is the significance of Siemens' acquisition of Dresser Rand?

• It allows Siemens to dominate the pharmaceutical industry

• It marks Siemens' entry into the US shale energy market

• It reduces Siemens' involvement in industrial production

• It helps Siemens expand into the European market

How does Siemens' acquisition compare to GE's acquisition of Alstom?

• GE's deal was larger in value

• Siemens' deal was larger in value

• GE's deal was smaller in value

• Both deals were of equal value

What role do low interest rates play in corporate mergers and acquisitions?

• They increase the cost of mergers

• They make it harder to finance deals

• They facilitate cash deals and mergers

• They encourage companies to hold onto cash

What is one reason companies are engaging in mergers and acquisitions according to the video?

• To decrease their market share

• To avoid entering new markets

• To increase their tax liabilities

• To reduce their cash reserves