Back to the Future.(Inside Word)(mergers and acquisition report)(Brief article)

Byline: Ken MacFadyen

As the June issue goes to press, ACG InterGrowth nearly eclipsed its record attendance for the conference. To me, there may be no better sign, outside of actual deals, that the M&A market is again starting to regain its feet. Evidence can be seen in the recent influx of sponsor-to-sponsor deals and bidding wars over the likes of Dollar Thrifty.

One of the panelists at InterGrowth described that "it feels like 2004." It's an apt characterization, but I think a few notable differences exist. The macroeconomic picture is a lot more uncertain and despite renewed enthusiasm, a sense of caution continues to blanket activity.

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