'Global telecom M&A volume hits highest level since 2000'

In the Jan-Nov 2012 period, there were transactions worth $164.4 billion

Global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) volume in the telecom sector soared to $343.4 billion so far this year, the highest year-to-date total since 2000, on the back of the massive $130-billion Verizon Wireless transaction, says a report.

Compared to a year ago, the deal volume in the telecom sector is up almost two times. In the January-November 2012 period, there were transactions worth $164.4 billion.

According to the global deal tracking firm Dealogic, the year to date (January to November) telecom deal tally of $343.4 billion is the highest for the 11-month period since 2000, when deals worth $733.4 billion were announced.

Global telecom M&A volume this year so far is driven by the $130 billion acquisition of a 45% stake in Verizon Wireless Inc by Verizon Communications Inc from Vodafone Group plc. The deal was announced on September 1.

Excluding this deal, global telecom M&A totaled $213.4 billion, up 30% same period last year.

In terms of number of total deals, there were 843 deals so far this year, down 12% compared 960 deals in 2012 in the telecom sector.

The telecom was the leading sector for global M&A volume in 2013 accounting for 14% of total global M&A volume.

North America accounted for the largest share of telecom M&A volume with 55% ($187.5 billion) in 2013, followed by Europe and North Asia with 33% ($114.6 billion) and 4% ($13.5 billion) respectively.

Goldman Sachs led the global telecoms M&A advisor ranking in 2013, followed by JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley, the report said.