M&A a really big deal in Q2

STRATEGIC deal-making activity involving Singapore companies hit record highs in the second quarter by at least one measure amid cheap financing and regional integration.

The net debt value of deals announced in the second quarter more than doubled to US$25.6 billion from US$12.3 billion a year earlier, according to data compiled by Thomson Reuters. The year-to-date announced total stood at US$54.4 billion, almost three times the US$19.1 billion aggregate in the first half of 2013.

The announced volumes were the strongest ever for a semi-annual period since records began in 1983, Thomson Reuters said.