While not quite living up to high expectations, 2012 was a solid year overall in the global M&A market. The number of transactions was modestly below the all-time high reached in 2011, and announced dollar volume was slightly above the year-ago figure. The bellwether U.S. market, which accounted for 40% of deal activity and nearly half of dollar volume, marked an all-time high for transaction count while witnessing a moderate dollar volume decline. During 2012, positive forces such as well capitalized strategics and financial sponsors coupled with widespread credit availability were largely offset by uncertainties related to the global economy, government fiscal challenges, and Europe’s debt troubles, causing many prospective buyers and sellers to defer decisions on potential deals. However, global dollar volume in Q4 2012 was almost 50% above the average of the first three quarters of the year and reached the highest level since Q4 2007, possibly boding well for increased M&A activity in 2013.
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Middle-Market Outlook 2013
Capital Gains Tax – Going Forward
Following the last minute agreement made in early January in order to avoid the tax implications of the Fiscal Cliff, we are finally faced with some clarity when it comes to taxes for 2013. However, whilst The American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA) dealt with tax components relating to revenue, decisions regarding the spending side have been delayed for two months.
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Fiscal cliff averted – So what does this mean for business owners?
As we all now know, last minute wrangling led to the fiscal cliff being avoided. An agreement was reached on tax increases for wealthy individuals amongst other issues. Spending cuts and the significant impacts of tax increases were both avoided. Well, not necessarily. In essence, the agreement postponed the most painful issues faced by the country, spending cuts and the debt ceiling.
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Benchmark employee flys out to Hollywood to get fit with Kelly Osbourne
Benchmark International UK employee Nicola Ronson is currently taking part in ITV breakfast show Daybreak’s feature ‘The Hollywood Diet’. Nicola has been following a regime laid out by leading fitness and nutritional experts out in LA and made famous by Kelly Osbourne who has completely transformed herself following the diet and exercise plan. Kelly is mentoring a selected group of participants including Nicola who recently traveled out to LA to meet up and train with their mentor.
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Benchmark International advises on Coronation Street Storyline
Benchmark International company sales specialist has advised Coronation Street’s researchers on the latest storyline involving the sale of Carla Connor’s Company Underworld.
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Directors wife collects TV prize
Tori Yerbury, wife of Benchmark International Director Tony, is celebrating winning UK TV show ‘Come Dine With Me’. Tori came out the victor in the show which pits four keen amateur chefs from the same area against each other where they each host a dinner party at their own homes.
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Why 2013 is the year to consider the sale or growth of your company
2012 was a great year in terms of deal activity at Benchmark International and we have several reasons to believe that 2013 will surpass last year with market conditions primed for high levels of deal completions.
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