Jan-June global M&A deals soar 8% to $1.49 trillion

A total of 9,169 deals worth $1.38 trillion were sealed in January-June period of 2016.

"Companies have been looking at 'future-proofing' in the wake of rapid changes to technology and politics to keep ahead of rivals," said a report by Mergermarket.

Moreover, there has been an increase in the number of megadeals. A total of 17 megadeals (worth over $10 billion) were announced since the beginning of the year, as against 14 in the first half of 2016.

Sector wise, Energy, Mining and Utilities (EMU)segment has been the most targeted industry globally by value with $267.9 billion across 662 deals.

"An increase in larger deals, with 55 transactions above $one billion announced in 2017 compared to 31 in the first half of 2016, formed the main reason for such lift, partially fuelled by some stabilisation in oil prices," the report added.

Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan) recorded 1,585 deals valued at $272.9 billion during the period, a seven per cent decrease by deal value compared to the same period last year ($293.5 billion, 1,724 deals). The EMU sector, representing 16.5 per cent market share by value, was the most active in the region in the first half with $45 billion-worth of deals across 136 transactions.

Three of the top five EMU deals in Asia featured Australian targets, including the acquisition of 50.4 per cent stake in Endeavour Energy for $5.6 billion in May.

Australia outperformed all other countries in Asia by value with over 50.4 per cent of EMU dealmaking in the region, totaling 31 transactions worth $22.6 billion, the report said.