Global M&A value reached $2.5 trillion in the first half of 2018, an increase of 61% while the number of deals decreased by 10% when compared to the same period in 2017. This is the strongest first half since records began in 1980. Deals are getting bigger with 81 mega deals valued over $5 billion accounting for half of the announced deal value in 1H 2018.
In the US, deal value rose by 80% to $1 trillion while the number of deals decreased by 13% compared 2017 values. There were 5,960 announce deals under $500 million, a 13% decrease from 1H 2017. Middle market deal value reached $111 billion, a 6% decrease from 1H 2017. The slight downturn in middle market activity reveals a focus on larger deals despite economic and political uncertainty.
Click on our infographic for a closer look at M&A in the first half of 2018.
