Industries where business is already strong are the best starting points. Technology, the medical sector, pharmaceuticals, mining companies and entertainment top that list. Examples already announced in these sectors include:

  • Hewlett-Packard Co.’s (HPQ: 52.45 -0.06 -0.11%) $2.7 billion cash offer for 3Com Corp. (COMS: 7.51 -0.03 -0.40%).
  • Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.’s (BMY: 25.04 -0.01 -0.04%) $2.4 billion buyout of biotech company Medarex Inc.
  • Comcast Corp.’s (CMCSA: 16.44 -0.23 -1.38%) $13.75 billion deal to buy 51% of NBC Universal from General Electric Co. (GE: 16.4599 -0.2401 -1.44%).
  • The Walt Disney Co.’s (DIS: 30.655 -0.365 -1.18%) $3.92 billion all-stock acquisition of Marvel Entertainment (MVL: 0.00 N/A N/A).

Source:

How To Make The Most Of A Resurgent M&A Market In 2010