Global M&A value reached a record $1.2 trillion in the first quarter of 2018, an increase of 60% while the number of deals decreased by 11% when compared to 1Q 2017. This is the strongest first quarter since records began in 1980.
In the US, deal value rose by 59% and the number of deals decreased by 11% compared to 1Q 2017. US M&A accounted for 47% of all deal activity. Among the largest deals clinched this quarter were US health insurer Cigna’s $67 billion to acquire US pharmacy chain Express Scripts.
Robust M&A activity is expected to continue as US tax reform and economic growth in Europe drive deals. 49% of dealmakers predict an increase of up to 25% in M&A activity for 2018. Their top three M&A objectives are: acquiring undervalued assets, acquiring high-growth businesses and cutting costs through economies of scale.
Click on our infographic for a closer look at M&A in Q1 2018.
