The value of mergers, acquisitions and share issuance in the Republic fell by more than 38 per cent to €15.83 billion during the first nine months of the year, new figures show.

The Experian figures showed there were 199 transactions during the period, marginally up on the 195 recorded in 2010. Experian Ireland MD Howard Lewis said there had been a significant upswing in mid-market deal flow. The largest deal was Glanbia’s €226 million fundraising via a placement of senior loan notes. The volume of “mid-market deals” rose to 46, up 15 per cent on 2010.