Almost a year ago, we forecast for 2009 a slowing down in merger and acquisition activity, but more ‘stock for stock’ deals and a significant growth in alliances. Alliance arrangements have grown in abundance and ‘stock for stock’ mergers have increased but not to the extent that we anticipated. However, the volume of mergers measured by value has increased by approximately 5%, whilst we forecast a 30% decline. Our forecast would have been almost spot on but for the mega acquisition of GE Fire & Security by UTC in November. This acquisition has not just changed the numbers for 2009, but will have a significant impact on reshaping the consolidation process over the next two years. Figures 1 & 2 show security deals completed from 2000 to 2009 and our forecast to 2015. Looking at the future, we are forecasting a 50% growth in the value of deals completed in the first half of the […]