M&A Becoming More Global

M&A is increasingly global. In 2000 and 2001, the United States, Europe, and Asia accounted for approximately 60%, 30%, and 10% of deal volumes by target, respectively. 

From 2005 to 2008, the distribution was much more balanced, at approximately 40%, 40%, and 20%.

Cross-border M&A activity grew from 23% of the total in 2000 to 41% in 2007, falling back to 35% in 2008. Emerging markets, particularly in Asia, played an important role in this transformation. In 2000, companies in Asian countries accounted for about$68 billion in acquisitions outside of Asia. In 2008, that figure more than tripled, to$223 billion. 

SOURCE: "What's Different About M&A in This Downturn," The McKinsey Quarterly, January 2009.