Close up of a modern green glass and metal building

Global M&A Insights: So far, so good

Q1 report takes an in-depth look at record M&A activity level, how Covid-19 has affected private M&A deal tactics, antitrust regulators’ evolving approach to merger control enforcement, and issues to consider in distressed or insolvent M&A transactions.

Report highlights

Q1 data show a remarkable recovery in M&A transaction activity – is it sustainable?
Buyer and seller tactics in the private M&A market have shifted significantly.
Antitrust authorities continued to frustrate deals last year; expect more of the same in 2021.
What should buyers of distressed or insolvent businesses be thinking about?

93%
increase in global deal value
6%
increase in global deal volume
133%
increase in megadeals USD5bn+
135%
increase in value of cross-border deals

Exterior of a glass office building at night with the lights on

M&A market shows signs of recovery in second half

In a year of two distinct halves, overall deal values and volumes remain down on 2019 levels. But that masks a very robust recovery in activity that began in late summer. The big question is can that recovery be sustained?

Connecting data centres: attracting investors

Transactions around data centres continue to grow rapidly, driven by the rapid expansion of cloud computing, developments in AI and the Internet of Things and the acceleration of online living and working. It’s a trend that is likely to continue.

Asia and China lead recovery

A new administration in the White House and the prospect of a Covid-19 vaccine are inspiring the sort of confidence on which transactions thrive.

TMT sector proves its resilience

With some notable exceptions, the second half of the year has seen deal activity recover surprisingly strongly across most sectors, a trend that is likely to persist.