Real estate sector takes the lead as M&A volume hits record high $122.4b in 2014

M&A activity in this sector totalled to $46b.

The value of announced mergers & acquisitions involving Singaporean companies surged up to $122.4b (US$93.2b) so far this year, up 123.1% from last year, and set a new annual record after surpassing the previous annual record volume in 2007, which was pegged at $92.5b (US$70.4 b).

Preliminary data released today by Thomson Reuters revealed that M&A activity involving Singapore companies which targeted the Real Estate sector took the lead this year. M&A activity in this sector totalled to $46b (US$35b) 219.4% increase over a year ago.

This was driven by the announcement of at least five deals valued US$1-billion-and-above compared to none in 2013.

The biggest deal is the pending acquisition of Chicago-based real estate investment trust, IndCor Properties by an investor group comprised of Global Logistics Properties and sovereign investor GIC for $10.6b (US$8.1b). This is nnow the biggest-ever real estate deal involving Singapore on record. 

The Industrials and High Technology sector followed behind and captured 11.6% and 9.5% market share, respectively, after these sectors gained triple digit percentage increase compared to last year.