Q2 glimmer of hope

Recent figures point to an uptick in European deal activity for the second quarter of this year. According to unquote", there was an increase in volume of 18.8% in the second quarter of 2008, reaching 410 deals recorded. Value, too, was up by a fifth, reaching EUR32.4bn in the time period.

There may be many drivers. For a start, a change in the UK capital gains tax in April saw a lot of deals rushed to completion in the first few days of the quarter. Closer to home, Benelux played a part. Gilde alone closed five transactions in two months, certainly a strong sign of life in the market. Another notable deal is the EUR750m acquisition of TMF by Doughty Hanson in July.

At best, this rise supports the few who believe that the worst of the credit crunch is over. At least it should instill some hope and maybe confidence in more pessimistic people who fear the worst is yet to come, as well as those who would not see any changes in the mid-term.

• Tweet  
• Facebook  
• LinkedIn  
• Google plus  
• Send to  

• Topics
• Performance
• Benelux