Global mergers and acquisitions activity was worth $717 billion so far this year, a rise of 58 percent compared with the same period in 2010 and the best start since the first quarter of 2007. The following quotes are from international dealmakers on the first quarter's M&A, their forecasts for the year and on market volatility due to natural and nuclear disaster in Japan and social unrest in the Middle East. GIUSEPPE MONARCHI, HEAD OF M&A FOR EMEA, CREDIT SUISSE GROUP (CSGN.VX) "Financing has become more expensive over the last few days. There has been a lot of volatility so lenders are being a bit more cautious -- and that will have an impact on deal prices -- but I haven't seen an M&A deal pulled yet for lack of financing. The effects may still be only temporary."
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