Middle east deal values down
Mergers and acquisitions in the Middle East and North Africa rose slightly in 2011, but the combined value of deals fell by more than a quarter as slower economic growth weighed on prices, Ernst & Young said yesterday. Deal values fell to $31.7bn in 2011 compared to $44.1bn a year earlier, but the number of deals rose four per cent to 416 from 401 over the same period, a statement said.