A Growth Trend

Overall Irish M&A activity showed some positive signs in 2012. While deal data suggests that the number of transactions did not change drastically, the value of transactions for the year increased on 2011. This has helped to create a positive expectation for 2013, with market participants cautiously optimistic that activity will increase. Generally, the Irish economy looks to be on a stronger footing than this time last year. It is estimated that Irish GDP grew by 0.5% in 2012 and growth in GDP of 1–1.5% is forecast for 2013, which compares favourably to the rest of the eurozone. 2012 also saw large flows of foreign direct investment into the country and strong export sector performance with the value of Irish exports increasing to €92 billion ($120.2 billion) in 2012, helped by increasingly competitive market conditions in Ireland.