M&A activity shows decline

MERGER and acquisition activity has fallen to levels last seen in the mid-1990s, following what has been described as an extremely difficult year.

There were 140 transactions last year compared with 276 in 2008 and 287 in 2007, according to Mazars. This represents a fall of 49% on 2008 and a fall of 51% from the peak of 2007.

Corporate finance partner at Mazars, Enda Gunnell said the deal volume was consistently low throughout the year and transactions took place at multiples far lower than their peak of a couple of years ago.