Global merger and acquisition (M&A) activity has surged to US$2.3 trillion in the first nine months of 2024, marking a 16% increase compared to the same period last year. However, the total deal volume has decreased by 20%, reaching its lowest level in eight years. Notably, mega deals valued over US$10 billion have seen a significant uptick, with 26 transactions totaling US$515.2 billion, a 34% increase from the previous year [67274249].
The United States has been a major player in this resurgence, accounting for 48% of global deal activity. The value of U.S. deals rose 18% to US$1.1 trillion. In Europe, M&A activity also increased, rising 30% to US$481.3 billion. Conversely, the Asia Pacific region experienced an 8% decline in deal activity [67274249].
Sector-wise, both the technology and energy sectors led the M&A landscape, each contributing 16% to the total deal value. Additionally, private equity-backed buyouts represented 24% of global M&A activity, with their value increasing by 40% [67274249].
In terms of financial institutions, Goldman Sachs & Co. topped the M&A league tables, followed by Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, Citi, and Bank of America Securities. RBC Capital Markets emerged as the leading Canadian firm, ranking 13th overall [67274249].
This mixed landscape of rising deal values alongside declining volumes suggests a shift in the M&A market dynamics, with larger, more strategic transactions becoming more prevalent even as the overall number of deals decreases [67274249].