The Deloitte M&A Index H1 2015

The deal momentum continues into 2015

Key points

• In our previous reports we highlighted that globally corporates are in a strong position to pursue M&A. They have rebuilt their balance sheets, accumulated record levels of cash and stock market rallies have boosted their valuations.
• Our projections of the M&A volumes show that the momentum that started last year is continuing in 2015. Despite the expected dip from Q4 to Q1, the Deloitte M&A Index forecasts deal volumes for H1 2015 are likely to be 8% higher than for the same period in 2014. So far this year $583 billion worth of deals have been announced, surpassing the $563 billion announced in Q1 last year.
• M&A volumes are being influenced by factors such as the decline in oil prices, appreciation of the dollar, the rise of China as a global player in M&A and pressure from investors to focus on top-line growth. The diverging growth trajectories between the US and other economies are opening 'deal