According to the OECD’s latest release (Dec. 8, 2009)  international mergers and acquisitions are forecast to decline by 56% in 2009 compared with 2008, the largest year-on-year decline since 1995. This estimate is based on OECD analysis of data for international M&A activity up to 26 November 2009.

The report cites that sharp declines in the value of cross-border M&A were seen in the OECD  area (down 60%) and in major emerging economies (down 62%).

Fig.1 International mergers and acquisitions, world (in US $ billions)

Click here for the press release or here to view the full report.