From pharma to finance, dealmakers off to hottest start of year since 2000

The 2018 acquisitions announced so far could easily be eclipsed if one of the most-anticipated tie-ups goes ahead

From pharma to finance, dealmaking in 2018 is on fire around the globe.
 

Just three weeks into the year, the value of mergers announced totals $152.5 billion. That’s the highest since the $374 billion racked up in the same period during the technology deal frenzy in 2000, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. While clouds loom, bankers say the US corporate tax cut, robust economies and rising stock markets are giving executives confidence to sign off on billion-dollar transactions — and in some cases, to pay rich prices.
 

“We’re in the same Goldilocks environment that contributed to the strong finish