The Dutch mergers and acquisitions market had a top year in 2007 with a total of 338 deals and combined value of over €161bn, according to figures published by consultancy KPMG.

Although the number of transactions was down from 2006, their value saw a rise of almost 200%, said KPMG in its latest report on the mergers and acquisition market.
However, the value of foreign takeovers by Dutch firms fell to €54.7bn last year from €62.2bn in 2006, said KPMG.
‘The consequence of the credit crisis is that strategic buyers once again have the opportunity to do a takeover,’ said Wouter van de Bunt a partner with KPMG Corporate Finance.