Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in the Asia-Pacific (Apac) region has significantly declined, reaching an 11-year low of USD179bn from January to May 2024, a 26% decrease from the previous year, primarily due to a 25% drop in China’s M&A activity. This contrasts with a global increase in M&A activity, which rose by 23% to USD1.3tr during the same period, according to a report by the London Stock Exchange Group. In the global landscape, US deals dominated, representing 56% of total M&A activity, the highest since 1998. European M&A also surged by 37% to USD259bn, led by the UK. The energy and power sector was a significant contributor, propelled by ConocoPhillips’ USD22.5bn bid for Marathon Oil. Additionally, private equity-backed M&A grew by 30% to USD289bn.