Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As) and private equity deals showed heightened activity in July, with both reporting significant surges as against the corresponding period last year. This may further strengthen the countrys growth story, analysts feel.

M&A values reported during the month were close to a billion dollar, while private equity deals reported a quantum rise in investments to nearly $2 billion during the month, primarily owning to several QIPs (qualified institutional placements) that closed in July this year.

Significantly, QIPs constituted over 90% of the PE investments. With several more QIPs in the pipeline, analysts expect to see sustained level of PE investments during the next few months.

There were eight inbound deals in July, mopping up $934.39 milllion as against seven in the corresponding period last year, totalling $124 million. Overall M&A deals added up to 35, notching up over $982 million as against 44 deals in the same period last year with a value of $637.23 million, according to consulting firm Grant Thornton.

Amongst the largest cross-border inbound deal was of pharma major Sanofi Pasteur buying nearly 80% in Shantha Biotechnics for $665 million.

CG Srividya, partner, specialist advisory services, Grant Thornton says: Both M&A and Private Equity have seen significant increase in activity in July 2009 compared to the same period the previous year. M&A volume has been the highest in the last 10 months during July 2009.

While the M&A value has been close to a billion dollar, the value has not increased in line with the volume as the deal considerations have not been reported for several transactions, especially transactions within group companies.

The total M&A deals registered during the first seven months of this year stand at 158 with a value of $5.91 billion, against 313 deals amounting to $16.73 billion during the corresponding period in 2008. While PE deals stand at 114, totalling a value of $4.89 billion. As against this, there were 214 deals amounting to $7.58 billion during same period in 2008.

During July, there was one IPO of Mahindra Holidays and Resorts which raised $61.77 million. The total amount raised through IPOs in the calendar year 2008 was $4,476.33 million from 42 IPOs.