Value of M&A transactions plunges 70%

THE value of mergers and acquisitions in Ireland plunged 70% over the past year with food, health and energy the most active sectors.

Despite the massive annual drop there was an increase in the value of deals done in the first quarter of the year compared with the last quarter of 2008.

The total value of deals in the first quarter of 2009 was €687m compared with €473m in quarter four of last year, which was the worst reported quarter since quarter one of 2005.