In the energy sector, the international oil and gas market remains primed for ongoing merger and acquisition activity, according to a new white paper from Merrill DataSite (free registration required). It says: “As existing fields mature and decline, growing demand is spurring ongoing exploration and development in locations throughout the world.” The paper also covers global M&A hotspots, how the North American expansion is sparking M&A activity across industries, and how worldwide reserves may fuel a future boom.

In terms of valuation, see the new BVR special report, Guidance From the Experts: Valuing Oil and Gas Entities, which digs into the unique characteristics and considerations for valuing companies in this industry.