Merger and acquisition activity returned to a prerecession level through three quarters in 2014, and activity is expected to be even stronger going into 2015.

According to the 2015 M&A Outlook Survey Report from KPMG, the deal value for mergers and acquisitions in the United States through the first three quarters of 2014 totaled nearly $1 trillion. And going into 2015, the expectation for merger and acquisition activity across the country remains very optimistic.

The report, which surveyed 735 merger and acquisition professionals from U.S. corporations and private-equity firms, said that 82 percent of the respondents expect to make at least one acquisition in 2015.

Mark Saas, a partner in the transactions and restructurings group in KPMG's Louisville office, said 2014 has been a "banner year" for mergers and acquisitions. The market is expected to be even higher in 2015 in terms of deal volume and deal value, he added.

The increased level of activity for mergers and acquisitions is a result of improved consumer confidence and a favorable credit market, with low interest rates for those seeking a loan, Saas said.

He added that there is a significant amount of cash available for private-equity investors and corporate buyers. Many strategic acquirers have been building up their cash reserves and not making purchases since coming out of the recession, he said.

The health care industry is expected to see more merger and acquisition interest than any other industry.

"Louisville is mirroring a lot of what we are seeing in the overall trends in the business," Saas said. "I think that is most applicable to Louisville in the health care market."