Market conditions for mergers and acquisitions (M&As) remained positive in 2013. Relative economic growth in the U.S. and within specific industry sectors, and positive economic developments in the emerging markets signaled an optimistic outlook for M&A activity. There was a decline in worldwide M&A transactions in the first half of 2013 following a modest gain in 2012 which resulted in an overall slowdown in M&A activities, yet there are positive signs for future M&A growth. Corporate executives and their boards were selective with their investment choices and sought many of their M&A opportunities in the middle market. In this article, we report on global M&A activity in 2012 and the first half of 2013, and conclude with a discussion on the board of directors’ role in mergers and acquisitions
