Tax reform, a more relaxed U.S. regulatory climate, and growing cash reserves fuel optimism among U.S. dealmakers, according to a Deloitte report, “The State of the Deal - M&A Trends 2019.” A recent uptick in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity shows no signs of slowing down, the report says. In this year’s survey, 79% of respondents expect the number of deals they close in the next 12 months to increase, up from 70% last year.