Value of M&As rockets despite drop in number of deals done this year

The value of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) so far completed in 2004 has amounted to $1.9 billion, a rise of 67% compared to the first half of last year. However, at the same time the number of transactions conducted fell by 32%, from 121 to 82, with the aforementioned rise being attributed to the increase in the average value of the deals in question, up from $9.3 million to $23 million. Of the various foreign firms involved, Dutch concerns were the most active, responsible for 10% ($180 million) of all the money invested in this country in relation to M&As. Compared to the first six months of 2003, the value of transactions in the financial and insurance sector increased from 7% to 23%, while this year the value of M&As in the real estates sector totaled some $840 million. (Parkiet, p. 6) A.F.