- Middle market deal volume slowed in the first quarter, according to GF Data’s Q1 Middle Market Update. However, valuation and debt multiples remained unchanged, and average pricing “held steady at 6.1x trailing twelve months adjusted EBITDA for the third consecutive quarter.” For more information on the report contact Bob Wegbreit at bw@gfdataresources.com
- PCE Investment Bankers released their quarterly State of the M&A Markets report. The author George Steinbarger reports:
Transaction activity during the first quarter of 2011 increased across all segments when compared to the first quarter of 2010. Acquisitions greater than $250 million lead the way, growing at a striking 83% versus 1Q10. While transactions less than $50 million command all segments in total volume, its growth compared to 1Q10 was a more modest 31%, hardly a disappointment.
The report also indicates that valuation multiples, based on CapitalIQ data, showed a slight decreased during the same period. Based on current deal momentum, Steinbarger is cautiously optimistic that the deal markets will continue to improve throughout 2011. Read the full report here.
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