Mergers and acquisitions down 45% to €1.6bn

THE value of mergers and acquisitions involving Irish companies fell 45% to €1.6 billion in the second quarter of this year compared with the previous quarter.

The value of deals is also 25% lower than the same quarter last year, according to the latest NCB merger and acquisition (M&A) survey.

NCB corporate finance director Jonathan Simmons said we are likely to see a continuation of downward pressure on valuation multiples, reduced leverage multiples and a more cautious approach to debt funding by banks.