With volume rising to $5.63 trillion up from 63%, the value of Global Mergers and Acquisition (M&A) topped $5 trillion for the first time in almost 15 years, crossing the pre-financial crisis record of $4.42 trillion in 2007.
Private equity deals doubled in volume to a record $985 billion as a result of greater access to financing, compared to last year.
Dealmaking activity was boosted by the technology and healthcare sector, which accounted for the biggest share of the M&A market in 2021, following the pent-up demand from last year when the pace of M&A activity fell due to the global financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Large corporates took advantage of the booming equity markets as companies rushed to raise funds from stock and bond offerings.
The high demand is likely to continue into the new year with one survey published recently, indicating that 90 per cent of dealmakers expect stronger activities over the next 12 months.
The UK’s space sector is also bound for an explosion in M&A next year.
