Report: Media and marketing M&A activity increases

By Sean Callahan

New York—Merger and acquisition deals in the media and marketing space totaled 834 in the first half, an increase of 6% over the second half of 2011, according to data released by investment bank Berkery, Noyes & Co. In the same time frame, aggregate deal value increased 27%, to $31.51 billion.

Despite the increases in both the number of deals and aggregate deal value, multiples decreased. The median revenue multiple declined to 1.2x from 1.8x, and the median EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) fell to 7.8x from 10.0x.

Berkery, Noyes said the exhibitions, conferences and seminars segment posted the largest gain in deal volume in the first half of the year, an increase of 85%.

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