Trend Talks

In the fifth episode of our Trend Talks, hosted by Mark Tabone and featuring insights from Eric Mackay and Ian Abela in our Advisory Deals team, we delve into how valuation shapes successful M&A. We discuss key methods: income approach (DCF), market comparables, and net asset value. We also explore how to adjust projections for risk and the importance of benchmarking against past earnings and sector multiples. We highlight differences between asset-heavy FMCG/Distribution and asset-light tech/IP sectors, and how valuations transition through due diligence into SPA mechanics. When buyer and seller perspectives differ, we present practical solutions like earn-outs and vendor financing to close the gap.

In the fourth episode of PwC’s Trend Talks, moderated by Maria Demanuele and featuring Svetlik Grima and Shaun Vella Bonello from our incentives team, we unpack how organisations can navigate and make the most of incentive schemes across Malta and the EU. From tax credits, cash grants and training subsidies to the nuances of GBER versus de minimis, the conversation clarifies eligibility, aid intensities, assisted regions and scheme caps. It offers practical guidance on mixing schemes without double funding, managing start-of-works rules and documentation, and planning for cash flow throughout the application and reimbursement process, all while keeping an eye on key deadlines and upcoming regulatory revisions that may impact aid levels.

In the third episode of PwC's Trend Talks, we delve into the dynamic world of private equity. Moderated by Nadia Vella, and featuring Chris Mifsud Bonnici and Mark Tabone, this episode explores private equity's transformative potential. From providing fresh capital to businesses to offering an alternative financing route amidst increasing regulation, private equity plays a vital role in shaping modern financial landscapes. Join us as we uncover the intriguing trends and emerging opportunities within this pivotal sector, focusing on innovation, growth potential, and the evolving market dynamics both locally and globally. 

The second episode of PwC’s Trend Talks, moderated by Shreeram Kumble and featuring Kirsten Cremona and Jake Azzopardi explores the intersection of two powerful forces: cyber and AI. Together, they challenge the perception of cybersecurity as a cost centre and AI as merely a productivity tool. From deepfake threats and disinformation campaigns to the rise of agentic AI and virtual workforces, the discussion highlights how organisations can strike the right balance between innovation and protection. At its core, the conversation returns to a simple truth - transformation begins with people, trust and asking the right questions.

In the first episode of PwC’s Trend Talks, moderated by Mark Abela, and featuring Anna Maria Herrera and Mirko Gulic from our VAT team, we dive into one of the most recent reforms in EU tax policy: VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA). Together, they unpack what ViDA really means for businesses, beyond just digitisation. From simplified VAT registration to new platform obligations and a complete rethink of how VAT is reported and invoiced, the changes are wide-reaching and significant.

Welcome to Trend Talks, PwC Malta’s podcast series that puts the spotlight on the trends shaping today’s business landscape. In each episode, we unpack the forces driving change across finance, regulation, technology, and strategy—so you can stay sharp, informed and ready for what’s next.Hosted by professionals from across our firm and joined by industry voices and subject matter experts, Trend Talks is designed to offer more than just commentary. It’s where insight becomes action.

Many of us have heard the word “sanctions”, especially after the geo-political upheaval due to the Russo-Ukrainian conflict. But what exactly does the word mean, imply and involve? In this special Financial Crime and Compliance (FCC) edition of Trend Talks guest host, Deborah Gatt, our FCC Senior Manager, and Andrea Amatuzio, Advisory Partner and Anti-Financial Crime Leader at PwC Italy, answer these questions and more!

Student activism is a very important part of anyone’s education journey. Not only does it improve things for you and your fellow students, but it also teaches you soft skills that build personality & support your growth as a professional! As Freshers’ week is fast approaching, join us this week on PwC Malta’s Trend Talks for a special KSU edition! Our host this week is PwC HR Manager, Vicky Soler, who is joined by the KSU president, Alexandra Gaglione, and vice-president for external affairs, Beppe Lauri.

In episode 7 of Trend Talks Angelique Spina, Director and Lindsay Abdilla, Manager at PwC Malta, together with Justin Mizzi, Property Valuer at Archi+, talk to our host, Elizabeth Camilleri, about the transparency of the real estate market in Malta and a project they worked on in conjunction with JLL.

Ian Abela, an economic expert at PwC Malta, talks to our host, Elizabeth Camilleri, on episode 6 of Trend Talks about the current economic climate, both globally and locally, and our 2022 Economic Outlook.

PwC Malta’s Customer Transformation Manager, Javier Arriaga, joins our host, Elizabeth Camilleri for Episode 5 of Trend Talks where they discuss the importance of ongoing customer transformation in today's ever-changing modern economy.

Welcome to the fourth episode of Trend Talks! PwC’s Academy Malta Senior Manager, Pamela Mamo, joins our host, Elizabeth Camilleri for Episode 4 of Trend Talks where they discuss how the pandemic brought about the learning digitisation a decade sooner than it would have naturally.

To commemorate the 4th anniversary of the establishment of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), this Special edition of Trend Talks is guest hosted by our very own Mark Lautier, who has a chat with the Information and Data Protection Commissioner, Ian Deguara.

Welcome to the third episode of Trend Talks! Life is complex and constantly changing ... the best way to deal with it is to be open to change and discovery. In Episode 3 our host, Elizabeth Camilleri, chats with Michael Borg who shares his interesting career journey or, as he puts it, his "voyage of discovery".

Welcome to the second episode of Trend Talks! Moving to another country is always quite a big step. Let alone when it involves crossing an ocean and a continent! Liz Camilleri has a chat with one of our many expats, Vyas Isnoo from Mauritius. The pair talk about Vyas' story and experiences, from his move here to his integration into Maltese society. With a “trying my best and leaving the rest to the universe” attitude, Vyas’ story certainly is one to listen to!

What does life as an auditor really look like?  In our first episode, we sit down with Sandra Camilleri, a Senior Manager within our Assurance practice, who takes us on a trip down memory lane. As she celebrates her 25 years with the firm, she shares her professional experience on how the auditing profession has transformed over the years through technology and growth in the industry, and also reveals personal insights on the lifelong relationships she has built, both locally and overseas while on secondments.

Season 2 of PwC Malta's Trend Talks is here!  Our host, Elizabeth Camilleri, has already been recording numerous sessions with our internal experts and this season will also include a number of surprises. Apart from insightful discussions on topics such as Transformation and the Future of Learning, a number of podcasts will also feature external guests and different hosts. The objective of Trend Talks remains a simple yet powerful one - sharing the journey of the firm but most importantly its people.

The digital world influences all industries and is constantly impacting the way companies operate and do business. The arrival of COVID just made the need for such a transformation all the more evident and accelerated it. For the last episode of Season 1, our Advisory Partner, Michel Ganado, joins  Elizabeth Camilleri to discuss Digital Transformation and its role in a business.This topic will be discussed during our seventh podcast.

It’s no secret that the world is changing... rapid and unchecked urbanisation, climate change, resource scarcity, demographic and social change that’s where Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) comes in. During our sixth episode our ESG specialist, Carl Zammit la Rosa, joins our host, Elizabeth Camilleri, and tells us about ESG, and explains its necessity and resulting surge in popularity.

Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart is the theme for this year's cyber month with the objective of empowering individuals and businesses to protect their online life and create a safer world for everyone. After all, is cyber security an IT or a business problem? Join Elizabeth Camilleri together with our guest Kirsten Cremona, one of our Advisory Managers and Cyber Security specialists for our fifth podcast.

The Malta Budget 2022, which was presented last Monday 11 October 2021, is the topic of discussion. Elizabeth Camilleri and our Tax Partners Bernard Attard and Mirko Rapa give us their first impressions and insights on the proposed measures. What will the main socio-economic impacts that will affect Maltese society in the coming year be? These and other questions are answered during our fourth podcast.

Gender equality is a hot topic in the business world, and there have been major shifts in the way society views the empowerment of female leaders. Join Elizabeth Camilleri and our CAS Director Francesca Fenech, as she shares her journey to become a female leader, her views on gender quotas and advice to other young ladies starting out their career. These and other questions will be answered during our third podcast.

We can all see that, in every facet of society, the world will never return to the same way it was pre-pandemic. How does a business make sure that their employees have the right skills and competencies for this new post-pandemic future? Join Elizabeth Camilleri and our Advisory Director, Claudine Attard, as they discuss upskilling for the future.

Will we ever go back to the 2019 reality? Is data the new superpower in the hands of businesses? Do we have the right resources and skills for the current business needs?  Join our host, Elizabeth Camilleri, and our Territory Senior Partner, David Valenzia, as they explore the effects the pandemic had on businesses.

Welcome to PwC Malta's Trend Talks; our own podcast series where our host, Elizabeth Camilleri, conducts one-to-one insightful discussions with our leading experts, creating insightful discussions relevant to the local community. From Digital Transformation to Sustainability, Data, and Upskilling, we have important messages to pass on and a few provocative opinions to share with businesses and individuals alike. So tune in every 2 weeks, starting on the 7 September, for the launch of a new episode of Trend Talks, which will be available on our website, Spotify and Google Podcasts.