“并购之王”丹纳赫是如何“养成”的？

Core Insights - Danaher Corporation has successfully completed nearly 400 acquisitions over 40 years, spending approximately $90 billion, resulting in a market capitalization of about $200 billion and creating around $250 billion in shareholder value [2][4]. Acquisition Characteristics - The company exhibits a high frequency of acquisitions, averaging over 10 per year, with a peak of 19 in one year, and has never had a year without acquisitions [4]. - Danaher has a high success rate in acquisitions, with most large transactions being notably successful, contrasting with the general market failure rate of 70% to 90% [4]. - The company has diversified across various industries, starting from low-end manufacturing to advanced life sciences and diagnostics, achieving success in nearly every sector [4]. Evolution of Acquisition Style - In the 1980s, Danaher adopted a strategy focused on high leverage and significant asset restructuring, later shifting to a model emphasizing innovation and decentralized management [6]. - Under the leadership of CEO Kalp, a world-class core team was established, leading to a more scientific and structured acquisition process, integrating the Danaher Business System (DBS) into acquisition management [7][8]. Recent Trends in Acquisitions - Post-2016, Danaher has focused on divesting non-core businesses and concentrating on life sciences and diagnostics, with over 95% of acquisition funds directed towards these sectors [11][12]. - The average number of acquisitions per year has decreased to 7.4, but the size of individual transactions has increased significantly, with an average deal size of $910 million [12]. - Danaher has engaged in substantial strategic acquisitions, including $21.4 billion for GE's biopharma business and $13.8 billion for Pall Corporation, among others [12]. Platform Strategy - Danaher has established several strategic platforms, such as water quality, testing and measurement, and life sciences, using a foundational asset to build and expand through subsequent acquisitions [16][42]. - The water quality platform has seen significant growth, with revenues increasing from $500 million in 2002 to $2.9 billion in 2022, achieving a return on invested capital (ROIC) exceeding 20% [21]. - The testing and measurement platform, which included the acquisition of Fluke and Tektronix, generated substantial returns, with Fluke alone accounting for 32 acquisitions and significant revenue growth [23]. Life Sciences and Diagnostics - The life sciences platform is highlighted as a prime example of Danaher's acquisition strategy, integrating operational capabilities with strategic acquisitions to create substantial shareholder value [42]. - The in vitro diagnostics platform has also been successful, with revenues reaching $9.6 billion and an operating profit margin of 27.4%, showcasing the effectiveness of Danaher's acquisition strategy [38][41].