{http://www.kpmg.com/CH/en/Library/MediaReleases/Pages/ma-yearbook-2014.aspx}
At first glance, 2013 did not appear to be a particularly active year on the Swiss M&A market. Both the number of mergers and acquisitions as well as the value of those transactions declined significantly in comparison with 2012: According to the «M&A Yearbook 2014» published by KPMG Switzerland, a total of 315 deals were recorded (-10.5%) worth a total of USD 33 billion (-71%). A closer look, however, reveals that 2013 was a year of reorganization and planning for many companies. As a result, KPMG expects a renewed increase in M&A activity during 2014 and that this will also include the conclusion of complex, carefully prepared deals. Specifically, greater activity is anticipated among industrial, chemical and pharmaceutical companies as well as financial service providers.