Strong year for Irish mergers and acquisitions

Outbound deals accounted for half of all Irish-related merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions last year; the highest level on record, new data shows.

According to the latest annual Irish M&A Review, from law firm William Fry, 2015 saw a decline in deal volume — from 120 to 104 — but a surge in transaction value from €45.3bn to €189bn, largely driven by Pfizer’s takeover of Allergan and Bohai Leasing’s purchase of aircraft lessor, Avolon.

The pharmaceutial, medical and biotech sector accounted for 12% of deal volume.