Refinancing, repricing, M&A and buyout activity all surged in the early months of 2021, but then lenders shifted gears in pursuit of yield and borrowers realized they could tap the market for more than just liquidity. Where will this fork in the road lead for the rest of 2021?

What will drive issuance in a post-COVID-19 world?

US M&A set a new record for value in H1 2021—and nearly surpassed the full-year figure for 2020

After a turbulent 18 months which saw M&A crash before an impressive return to form, H2 2021 is set for continued strong deal activity, as well as new challenges

In the first half of 2021, Delaware courts issued several decisions affecting M&A dealmaking

New Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler has put scrutiny of SPACs and private funds at the top of his agenda

Even as economies pick up, dealmakers have maintained focus on managing the risk of broken deals

President Joe Biden's approach to the national security risks posed by foreign-backed M&A may differ in style from his predecessor, but not in substance

After campaigning for the presidency on a platform that included more aggressive antitrust enforcement, Joe Biden has taken early steps to honor those pledges

After a pause, investment in infrastructure has ballooned, even before the Biden administration's US$1 trillion-plus plan is passed

M&A value among real estate firms quadrupled year-on-year in H1, after a tough 2020

The power and renewables industry is positioned for a sustained period of strong deal activity as the US focuses on hitting net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Deals in the consumer and retail sector show signs of recovery as consumer spending rallies post-pandemic

The value of healthcare M&A in H1 surpassed pre-pandemic levels

Technology M&A activity is thriving in 2021 as dealmakers continue to turn to the sector in search of assets with high-quality earnings and growth prospects

After a year of volatility, the oil & gas industry has stabilized and M&A activity has resumed

TMT M&A tops the sector charts again

US private equity has rallied following pandemic lockdowns, thanks to adaptations to remote deal processes and record dry powder

The US enjoyed record levels of M&A activity in H1 2021, as dealmakers made up for lost time caused by pandemic-related disruptions