Despite the slowdown in global economic recovery, companies in the food, drink, consumer goods (FDCG) and retail sectors are still actively seeking mergers and acquisitions (M&A), particularly in the developing economies.

To try to understand what public servants think about the impact of the current global economic downturn on the public sector, KPMG’s global Government practice commissioned new research to investigate their views. Overall, 124 decision makers were interviewed over a range of departments from central to local government; from education to defence. Recently, by the end of 2009, KPMG extended original survey and included additionally 9 countries and 38 decision makers from CEE region to perceive how our neighbours cope with economic downturn.
Tough Choices Ahead: The Future of the Public Sector further explores the results of our previous research. The objective of this report is to stimulate debate around public sector transformation. This follow-up research probes these views in greater detail, with a focus on how to build on success and achieve fundamental change for the future.

In the context of the global economic crisis consumer and industrial manufacturers in Central & Eastern Europe need to know both their markets and their customers to make it through to the other side, according to the results of a survey conducted by KPMG. Entitled Redefining business models: Colliding, Surviving or Thriving? How Consumer & Industrial Manufacturers in Central & Eastern Europe are navigating the crisis, their success or failure may not be contingent upon the global economic crisis but on what, or whom they place at the top of their priority list.

The report Navigating the storm: Charting a path to recovery?, presents the views of more than 100 senior executives of some of the world’s leading engineering & construction companies across 30 countries.

As the financial services industry moves into recovery, it is still facing many challenges and opportunities resulting from the economic crisis. Clarity on what the true picture will be is important to understanding how the industry will move forward.

There is no doubt that the experience of the last two years will cast a shadow on financial services as it endeavours to return to level flight. The challenges now being faced are familiar to many, and highlight the need to focus on the core strategic business.