Value of merger and acquisition activity falls 76% in 2009

THE value of mergers and acquisitions in Ireland plunged by 76% last year to €8.2 billion, resulting in one of the worst performances in Europe.

Figures from Experian show the number of transactions fell to 221 from 323, a drop of 31.6%.

In the fourth quarter of 2009, the number of transactions announced in Ireland fell by 26%, to 45 deals from 61 in the previous quarter.