M&A tumbles to five-year low of $137bn

Total deal flow for the year tumbled to $137.72 billion, barely half last year’s tally of $270.76 billion, according to data compiled by Derrick Petroleum Services.

All regions saw decreased activity with the exception of Africa, which has risen three years in a row, the 1Derrick report said.

1Derrick managing director Mangesh Hirve said the year had seen corporate M&A outside North America slump as “majors and large independents – the traditional acquirers – made their absence felt”.

Corporate