Global M&A volume rises 46% in Q4 of 2009

Merger and acquisition (M&A) activities gained traction globally in the fourth quarter of 2009, witnessing a rise in value by 46 per cent to $739.6 billion.

"The relatively high volume of deals recorded in the fourth quarter of 2009 hints at a resurgence of M&A activity for the new year," according to deal tracking firm Dealogic.

The Q4 of 2009 recorded $739.6 billion in global M&A volume, which was $150 billion higher than any other quarter in 2009.

Although M&A volumes picked up later during 2009, globally during the year they were down 24 per cent to $2.4 trillion.

December and November recorded the highest monthly volumes in 2009 at $256.2 billion and $323.1 billion respectively, Dealogic said.

The fourth quarter of 2009 saw 22 deals valued over $5 billion each, totalling $301.9 billion.

The five largest deals in Q4 2009 were all valued over $20 billion.

These include Exxon Mobil Corp's $41 billion acquisition bid for XTO Energy and $35.91 billion bid of Berkshire Hathaway's for 77.4 per cent stake in Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.