2021 saw an upsurge in global levels of Merger & Acquisition (M&A) activity, with record transaction levels fuelled by the economic bounce-back as the first grip of the COVID-19 pandemic began to loosen. According to figures from Refinitiv, M&A activity in 2021 was up 64% on the previous year with total deal value reaching USD 5.9 trillion.
This was underlined by the fact that the same number of large global deals were completed in Q1 2021 as in the whole of 2020 (58 deals in the range of USD 1billion to 10billion). This was the highest Q1 result since 2008 and one which set the tone for what proved to be the most active ever recorded.
It is expected that deal activity will continue to be strong into the first half of 2022 driven by a combination of macroeconomic factors, significant unspent investor dry powder and corporates refocussing following the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
WTW has published a review of 2021 and predictions for 2022 with contributions and perspectives drawn from their transaction risk experts around the globe outlining:
1. The broader themes at play.
2. Patterns and trends seen in 2021.
3. Expectations for 2022.
To read the full report click on the link.