As dealmakers predicted, 2007 finishes on a strong note for M&A, with the middle market keeping up the pace of transactions. More.As became apparent in the 3rd and 4th quarters, the mega-sized M&A transactions certainly took a beating. We saw time and again deals failing to close - for a variety of reasons. Whether it was jitters about the economy or the inability to place cheap debt, mega-deals certainly faltered.

 

During the first weeks of December, announced deals exceeded $14 billion in transaction value. According to CFO.com, this could be one of the strongest ever December finishes for strategic M&A buyers. Of the notable deals that were announced, the majority were in the middle-market or the sub-billion dollar range.

 

We're continuing to keep an eye on how the quarter finishes out; our expectation, of course, is that the middle-market will continue to show strength and finish on a solid note.