According to preliminary data from global deal tracking firm Dealogic, the figure so far this year is USD 2.50 trillion, down 24 per cent over last year when transactions worth USD 3.27 trillion were announced.
Moreover, 2015 remains the largest-ever for M&A volume as deals worth USD 4.68 trillion were struck.
"This year, the UK Brexit vote in June, a turbulent election cycle in the US and a slump in equity capital raising globally have shadowed opportunities for companies considering acquisitions," Dealogic said.
Overall, the global cross-border M&A came in at USD 886.6 billion, down 11 per cent year-on-year.
Meanwhile, US in-bound merger and acquisition (M&A), at USD 331.8 billion, has hit a record high for first nine months.
China and Japan came up as the top acquiring Asian nations with US targets. Chinese US acquisitions have already hit an annual record high with both volume and activity at USD 34.9 billion and 119 deals, respectively.
SoftBank's USD 31.6 billion bid for ARM Holding was a big mover, which boosted third quarter M&A volume to USD 61.1 billion, the highest third quarter figure since 2008 (USD 93.4 billion).
In terms of M&A value, technology, at USD 465.3 billion, replaced healthcare this year as the leading sector, the report added.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
