As might be expected in a year marked by a pandemic and the uncertainties of a U.S. presidential election, U.S. and global M&A were both down compared to 2019. Total U.S. deal value for the year was $1.4 trillion, while global deal value was $3.5 trillion (down 17% and 5%, respectively, from 2019). Deal count declined similarly, with 7,934 U.S. deals and 32,235 deals globally (down 20% and 13%, respectively, from 2019). U.S. strategic and sponsor deals saw overall declines by deal count (18% and 28%, respectively) and total deal value (22% and 6%, respectively). Global strategic and sponsor deals saw similar declines by count (11% and 23%, respectively), as did strategic deals by deal value (9%); however, sponsor deals by deal value increased by 7%.

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