In the first quarter of 2013, M&A activity in Asia/Pacific and United States/Canada increased by 15% and 2%, respectively.

The remarkable surge of activity in Asia/Pacific is proof that an increasing number of companies are using their large cash positions, along with access to cheap debt, to expand in this region. In the United States/Canada, M&A experienced modest growth as financial and strategic buyers still view it as an excellent place to make opportunistic acquisitions.

Financial buyers are continually looking for companies that are poised for growth. Similarly, strategic buyers are looking to deploy large cash balances in an effort to expand geographically, increase distribution, and enter new markets.

Given these factors, it is highly likely that M&A activity will experience significant growth in the next three quarters.