GS: M&A Activity Remains Robust

M&A activity is stronger than the headline figures suggest, that’s according to a new report on merger trends from Goldman Sachs’ Equity Research division.

Headline figures suggest US M&A volumes are down by around 28% year-on-year, (the report was published on June 10, three days before Microsoft made its $28 billion offer for LinkedIn. Goldman also makes a note that the volume data excludes the $62 billion proposed Bayer-Monsanto deal) which is a sizeable decline and enough to spark concern among analysts who believe a slowdown in M&A activity is indicative of a bear market.

East Looks West: A Visual Summary Of Chinese M&A Activity In The U.S. And Europe

However, the number of deals is down by only 4% year-on-year...