DM mergers, acquisitions and buyouts in the first quarter of 1998 grew 99% over the first quarter of 1997, according to a study released in June by DM investment firm Gruppo, Levey & Capell Inc. GLC tracked 213 mergers, acquisitions and buyouts for the quarter ended March 31, up from the 107 in the same 1997 time period.
Overall, the number of DM strategic transactions reached 447 for the first quarter of 1998, up 46% over the 307 in the first quarter of 1997. Much of the growth can be attributed to the same factors that spurred a growth trend last year-consolidation and electronic commerce-said Harry Chevan, senior vice president of research at New York-based GLC.