Strengthening global economy sees highest level of M&A activity since 2007.

M&A activity reached US$3.5 trillion in 2014, driven largely by a rise in deals of more than $5 billion, according to a report by Thomson Reuters.

The Thomson Reuters Full Year 2014 Mergers and Acquisitions Review reveals more than 40,000 M&A deals were announced in 2014 – an increase of 6% on the previous year.

The fourth quarter was the strongest for global M&A activity – with $922.5 of deals going through. This was up 7% on the third quarter and made it the strongest closing quarter since 2006.

Strong regional gains

Both Europe and the Asia-Pacific region reported very strong figures in 2014. European activity was up 55% on 2013 – up to $868.9 billion.

The figures for Asia-Pacific were the highest since records began in 1980. Overall $716.2 worth of deals were completed across the region.

There was also a large increase in cross-region M&A deals. It accounted for 31% of all global activity across the 12-months and saw an increase of 78% on 2013 levels.

High activity in medical and healthcare

The value of deals in the media and entertainment sectors increased by more than 100% in 2014 – up to $308.5 billion. It was also an exceptional year for healthcare. Revenue from M&A activity in the area was up 94% on the amount raised in 2013.