As would be expected given the current environment, M&A activity globally and in the U.S. declined across almost all measures in March. Globally, the number of deals decreased by 3.2%, to 2,527, and total deal value decreased by 17.5%, to $210.25 billion. U.S. M&A activity also declined, with the number of deals decreasing by 17.2%, to 641, and total deal value decreasing by 48.4%, to $52.05 billion. Average deal value declined overall—falling by 37.7% in the U.S., to $82.1 million, and by 14.8% globally, to $83.2 million. The decline in dealmaking activity observed in February continues, and is likely to accelerate into April given the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on the global economy and financial markets. For our client memoranda on navigating this crisis, visit our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center.
