Now that we have entered the second half of 2015, it's
helpful to take a look at M&A numbers from the first half of
the year and predictions for what lies ahead. A report recently published by MergerMarket
provides a number of key data points and dealmaker survey results
that may be a barometer for the direction of Canadian M&A.
In Q1-2015, the aggregate value of Canadian M&A deals was US
$8.6 billion, spread over a total of 112 deals. This is the lowest
quarterly aggregate deal value since Q4-2008, when a total of only
78 deals worth US $7.4 billion were recorded. Inbound M&A
activity into Canada was also slow, with only 55 deals worth an
aggregate of US $4.2 billion during Q1-2015, being the lowest
quarterly aggregate inbound deal value since Q1-2009. Overall, in
the first five months of 2015, there was an 18% decline in
year-on-year M&A volume (for a total of 215 deals) and a 35%
decline in year-on-year M&A value (for a total of US $23
billion).
