
U.S. M&A deal activity decreased in October, going down 3.3% with 1,270 announcements compared to 1,314 in September. However, aggregate M&A spending increased. In October, 20.4% more was spent on deals compared to September.
- In terms of M&A deal activity, 6 of the 21 sectors FactSet tracks saw an increase in M&A deal activity over the past three months relative to the same three-month period one year ago. The five sectors that witnessed the largest increases in M&A deal volume are: Technology Services (883 vs. 701), Commercial Services (477 vs. 406), Non-Energy Minerals (122 vs. 63), Industrial Services (248 vs. 216) and Miscellaneous (18 vs. 14).
- On the other hand, 13 of the 21 sectors FactSet tracks saw a decrease in M&A deal activity over the past three months relative to the same three-month period one year ago. The five sectors that witnessed the largest declines in M&A deal volume are: Finance (669 vs. 756), Distribution Services (129 vs. 182), Producer Manufacturing (178 vs. 221), Consumer Non-Durables (69 vs. 95) and Consumer Services (200 vs. 222).