According to Thompson Reuters’ data, the combined total value of M&A deals worldwide over the first nine months of 2016 has fallen around 50 per cent when compared to the same period last year. This is despite a roughly similar number of deals being announced (around 30,000). In the UK, the combined value of all M&A has reached just $195.5bn so far this year, down from the $354.1bn recorded in September last year. Deal values in Europe and the US are down by 25 per cent and 39 per cent respectively.

Source: The Lawyer