The number of mergers and acquisitions registered by the social and economic council SER was down 5.5% last year at 400.

It was the first time since 2009 that there has been a drop in corporate consolidation.
Most mergers took place in the industrial sector, followed by services and trade. Within the not-for-profit sector, healthcare groups were most likely to combine forces.
By law, companies have to register their merger plans with the SER, an important government advisory group.