Chinese companies are likely to increase their overseas mergers and acquisitions with the rising needs for resources and energy, according to a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Compared to the 20% increase of domestic merges and acquisitions, there will be about 40% growth in overseas M&As, especially in the manufacturing sector, said PwC, adding that the financial and real estate industries will rank the first and second in terms of transaction value.

Although the value of Chinese overseas M&A investments is only about a third of domestic and inbound transactions, the growth in second half of this year will see a substantial growth, hitting US$30 million to US$35 million, more than double that in 2008, said PwC.