Global increase in technology mergers and acquisitions

13.05.2011
Global technology mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals grew during the first quarter (Q1) of 2011, according to Ernst & Young's quarterly report, Global Technology M&A Update, January - March 2011.

Ernst & Young specialises in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The firm reported a growth both in the number of M&A deals and in total value when compared to the same period last year.

During the first quarter of 2011, companies transacted a larger number of smaller, strategically focused deals and thus continued a trend that began in 2010.

Non-technology companies purchased 15 per cent of the quarter's total value in disclosed-value deals, and according to Ernst & Young, this demonstrated that information technology is blurring into other industries at a rapid pace.

"These trends speak to the rapid pace of change driven by the cloud, social networking and smart mobility, and the ways in which technology is becoming an increasing part of everyday life - not just something we do while at work," said Joe Steger, global technology transaction advisory services leader at Ernst & Young. "On the business side, the trends reflect that information is becoming a larger component of the value of all products and services."