US: Middle market M&A falls short of 2013 predictions

While earlier reports predicted 2013 to be a major year for mergers and acquisitions within the nation’s middle market, the latest figures show that while the market is, in fact, expanding, it is not through M&A. According to the latest Middle Market Business Sentiment Survey, conducted by KeyBank Commercial Bank, nearly half of middle market heads surveyed say that mergers were not part of their business plans thus far in the year. Fifty-seven percent, however, said they plan to expand their businesses by the end of the year, however, through organic growth like staff expansion and investing in new facilities or equipment. KeyBank’s leader in its Commercial Banking Segment Cindy Crotty told reporters that the trend is likely due to middle market business leaders not willing to take the risks associated with mergers until they better understand the financial consequences of the debt crisis and the Affordable Care Act.

Full Content: Market Watch

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