Global merger deals ‘fall in value’

The value of global merger and acquisition deals fell to its lowest level for more than five years during the first half of the year, research shows.

During the first half of 2002, merger and acquisition deals worth 448 billion US dollars (£299.41 billion) were carried out, a 56% drop from the 1,020 billion US dollars (£681.68 billion) seen in the first half of 2001, according to KPMG Corporate Finance.