Global merger and acquisition deals fell to $2.2 tillion during January-September period, a decline of 20 per cent over last year amid political uncertainty and increased regulation, says a report. According to global deal tracking firm Mergermarket’s Q1-Q3 global and regional M&A report, there were 12,283 deals worth $2.2 tillion in the January-September period, while in the same period last year there were 13,263 transactions worth $2.8 tillion. “Global M&A deal making in 2016 has not been able to achieve the dizzying heights reached in 2015, with political uncertainty, increased regulation and decreased confidence on board all weighing down on activity,” the report said.
Although M&A activity is down compared to the two preceding years, the April-June and July-September quarter have witnessed rise in deal values. Sector-wise, industrials & chemicals has been the most targeted sector globally, with 2,313 deals worth $416.8 billion, representing a 41.1 per cent value increase over 2015.