While Europe struggles to shake off the residual effects of the financial crisis, Asia-Pacific started the year with a bang, continuing an upward trajectory that has seen the region increase in importance relative to overall M&A volumes every year since 2006.

According to data from information provider Dealogic, announced domestic and cross-border deals involving an Asia-Pacific target total $207.9bn (€156.8bn) so far this year, almost double the $120.3bn announced during the same period in 2009. Asia-Pacific now accounts for a quarter of all M&A by value - and a third by number - after rising every year since 2006, when it contributed 15% of total volumes.