Surging share prices and a rise in -business and consumer confidence are expected to lead to a sharp increase in global mergers and acquisitions this year

Surging share prices and a rise in -business and consumer confidence are expected to lead to a sharp increase in global mergers and acquisitions this year. Analysis of early-stage deals by -transaction software company Intralinks suggests that globally the number of mergers will rise between 10 per cent and 17 per cent in the first six months of 2014, led by deals in the property, telecommunications and energy sectors. Investment banks are anticipating momentum from 2013 to continue through to 2014 with a number of deals said to already be in the pipeline. Activity is expected to be focused on the property trust sector following the recent takeover of Commonwealth Property Office Fund by DEXUS and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. Activity in the mining and metals sector is expected to be subdued as demand for commodities remain muted. (VIEW LINK)