The number of mergers and acquisitions looks set to rise over the coming months as businesses aim to restart their growth plans in 2011, according to a corporate finance expert.
Head of corporate finance at KPMG's Leeds office, Christian Mayo, said that deals of 'a strategic nature, to facilitate growth,' would dominate in 2011, with volumes increasing even further towards 2012.
"I expect 2011 to be the year when growth comes back on the agenda, as the conversations in many of Yorkshire's boardrooms are more positive, after a sustained period of focus almost exclusively on survival, retrenchment and cost reduction.
"An acquisition strategy might be the key to making an impact in a new market, enhancing a product offering or growing market share within a static sector. And some companies will divest of businesses in order to build a fighting fund to make strategic acquisitions," he added.
Recent related research by Deloitte found that many companies, especially those in the technology sectors, were becoming increasingly optimistic about growth potential this year.
The research predicted a 'rise in private equity activity, particularly focused on companies serving small-and-medium-sized businesses.' 
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