Overview

Across sectors and regions, caution was the watchword of investors everywhere in 2012 as M&A transactions fell to their lowest level since 2009. Allen & Overy's in-depth report provides an overall global snapshot of M&A activity, as well as a detailed breakdown by region and sector.

The report suggests the environment for deal making has been steadily improving against a background of strong economic fundamentals in several key markets. Vital ingredients for successful transactions have been in place - low interest rates, strong reserves of corporate and private equity cash, a wealth of targets at increasingly attractive prices, and the need for companies to find new strategic paths to growth after a protracted period of recession in leading markets. However, success factors have gone hand in hand with a set of entirely contradictory trends, most of which relate to huge political and economic uncertainties.

For the full report, click 'View Briefing'.