| 2007 and so far in 2008 have seen a record number of deals nominated for the FINANCE Capital Markets Deals of The Year awards. The eight different categories: corporate finance, equity linked deals, capital issues, securitisations, private placements, project finance, loans and bonds all show the high level of expertise in the Irish market, evidenced by the innovation in many of the deal structures and efficiency of execution. Dislocation in credit markets could indicate a slower year ahead, yet deal volumes at 54 are significantly ahead of both quarter one 2006 and 2007, according to Ion equity’s M&A tracker in quarter 1 2008. With potential deals in the pipeline like the takeover of FBD by Eureko, deal activity this quarter has proved resilient showing that funds are available and trade buyers are completing strategic deals in current market conditions. |
