Corporate Board Member Survey Suggests Positive Outlook for Middle-Market

Two-thirds of middle-market board members expect merger and acquisition activity to increase in their industry this year, while only seven percent predict a downturn, reports a recent study conducted by Corporate Board Member magazine.

The survey of nearly 400 directors of middle-market companies found board members are highly optimistic about the nation's economy and the effect it will have on the M&A market. Of those surveyed, 66% believe there will be an increase in M&A transactions in their industry in 2005, while 27% expect the same level of transactions this year as in 2004. In addition, 90% of those surveyed expect prices for acquisition targets to increase (53%) or remain the same (37%).

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