ANALYSIS: Cross-Border M&A Defied the Pandemic in a Record Q1

The first quarter of 2021—which broke all M&A volume records—also saw the highest volume of cross-border M&A deals for any first quarter since 2007. The cross-border deal frenzy is an unlikely and remarkable development in a global economy entering its second year of a pandemic.

Last quarter saw announcements of 922 currently pending or completed cross-border mergers and acquisitions deals valued at $1 million or greater resulting in control of the acquired company or assets, with an aggregate value of $358.3 billion. This cross-border deal volume comfortably surpassed recent pre-pandemic first quarters: it represents a stunning 78% increase in volume ...