Merger Activity Round the World

North American deal flow activity is up by 17% compared to this time last year (YoY). Deal flow is up 22% quarter-on-quarter. The QoQ figure is inpart due to the sort of seasonal variation whence the YoY figure helpfully abstracts.

European deal flow is also up 17% YoY. There is some return of activity even in countries that were regarded as basket cases a year ago. Meanwhile, Germany continues to act as the continent's safe haven for investors.

Latin America is weaker than either NA or Europe, and early stage M&A activity is down 7% YoY. Dealmakers in the region are said to be optimistic about a turnaround, though.

Deal activity levels in the Asia Pacific region are down, whether measured YoY or QoQ. Japan is doing well, but China is pulling back on it recent aggressive round of overseas acquisitions. In terms of sentiment: dealmakers tend to see the move in the Asia Pacific region as a sign of volatility rather than as a lasting turn for the worse.

Hope you enjoyed the quick tour.

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