Bar chart tracking global M&A volume.
Y-axis: U.S. dollars (billions); x-axis: 2010-2021
Average M&A volume was $2,729 BN.
Table lists annual volumes.
| Date | U.S. dollars (billion) |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2,071 |
| 2011 | 2,161 |
| 2012 | 1,893 |
| 2013 | 2,114 |
| 2014 | 2,731 |
| 2015 | 3,366 |
| 2016 | 2,590 |
| 2017 | 1,304 |
| 2018 | 2,507 |
| 2019 | 3,088 |
| 2020 | 2,417 |
| 2021 (Q3) | 4,525 |
Sources: Dealogic and Wells Fargo Investment Institute. Annual data from January 1, 2010 to September 30, 2021. Deal values are based on values at announcement. M&A = merger and acquisition.
Key Takeaways
- Global corporate deal volume continues to accelerate in 2021. We anticipate a continuation of this trend based on a large amount of dry powder — that is, capital available to be invested by Private Equity funds and the explosion in special purpose acquisition company (or SPAC) issuance.