Worldwide mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity has reached $2 trillion so far this year, 75 percent higher than last year, according to Thomson Reuters weekly data, helped by a string of large-cap companies striking high value deals. Eight deals valued at more than $5 billion were announced this week, setting an all-time record for weekly deal making among companies with a large market capitalisation, Thomson Reuters said on Friday.The total value of deals over $5 billion hit $915.9 billion in the year to July 17, more than triple the level seen a year ago.One such deal came on Tuesday, when Camel cigarettes maker Reynolds American said it would purchase rival Lorillard for $26.8 billion. As part of the takeover, Britain's Imperial Tobacco Group bought a number of brands and assets from both companies for $7.1 billion.Imperial adviser Goldman Sachs ranked top in the M&A league tables, ahead of Morgan Stanley and Citi.
Morgan Stanley is a global financial services company that, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, provides its products and services to a range of clients and customers, including corporations, governments, financial institutions and individuals. Shares of MS fell by 0.62% or $-0.2/share to $32.30. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $25.25 and as high as $33.52. On average, 10044000 shares of MS exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 18525572.
Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) is a holding company. Shares of RAI fell by 0.67% or $-0.39/share to $57.75. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $46.55 and as high as $63.39. On average, 2489520 shares of RAI exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 3870008.
Thomson Reuters Corporation (Thomson Reuters) is a provider of information for the world?s businesses and professionals. Shares of TRI fell by 1.08% or $-0.4/share to $36.63. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $32.87 and as high as $38.73. On average, 750113 shares of TRI exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 393138.
Thomson Reuters Corporation (Thomson Reuters) is a provider of information for the world?s businesses and professionals. Shares of TRI fell by 0.88% or $-0.35/share to $39.42. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $34.52 and as high as $42.10. On average, 592955 shares of TRI.TO exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 653624.
Source
