The Q1 2011 mergermarket report on global M&A activity is out.  Highlights of the report, produced in conjunction with Merrill Corporation, include the following:

• There have been 2,749 M&A transactions worth a combined US$617.1bn (through April 2011);
• Energy sales make up the largest deal value (26.4% of global deal value);
• The Telecom space is undergoing consolidation, with some large value deals announced; and
• The private equity market is very active.  In the first quarter of 2011, 446 buyouts and 264 sales have occurred, with each in the US$55bn range.