After declining 26% in 2008, the number of mergers and acquisitions announced in the U.S. decreased only 13% in 2009. “The market, it seems, had nowhere to go but up.” says Factset. On the bright side (if there is one) dealflow has increased each quarter in 2009, the longest such trend since 1995-1996.

In addition to providing individual deal data, such as payment methods and premiums, the Review also indicates which industries are most active and how their premiums, TIC/EBITDA, TIC/EBIT and P/E averages, compare to the market as a whole. In 2009, the top seller industry, with respect to the number of announcements, was Computer Software, Supplies & Services.  The top seller industry with respect to the dollar value of announcements was Drugs, Medical Supplies & Equipment.

The 2010 edition – which is available exclusively through BVR – now includes the Mergerstat Monthly Review, a monthly summary (in PDF) of deals, trends and industry spotlights for anyone who purchases the Review.  To order click here.