Survey shows companies ready to step up M&A

Mergers and acquisitions specialists are preparing for a pick-up in activity, according to the results of our seventh annual MA survey, conducted in partnership with global law firm Clifford Chance.

Companies around the world have been building cash reserves during the past few years as they hold back investment due to the uncertain outlook, but the evidence from our survey is that the appetite for deals is returning as economic growth recovers.

After years of hoarding Japanese companies are sat on about $1.5 trillion of ready cash, according to Nomura, while US companies are holding roughly $1.8 trillion, according to data from the US...