Beijing, 4 May 2007. Leading professional advisors from members of M&A International Inc. met in Beijing to evaluate and consider the growing impact of China on world M&A markets. Speakers from government, the legal sector, private equity, banking and industry discussed how China has rapidly emerged in the past five years to become a genuine world player in global M&A markets.

The conference concluded that market and economic conditions are perfectly set for enormous and continuous increases in both domestic and cross-border activity.  This is reflected in the current levels of global M&A activity.  The total value of global M&A activity in 2006 was some US$4 trillion from 31,825 closed deals. In the first quarter of 2007, global M&A activity amounted to US$1.13 trillion, 14% higher than the same period in 2006.

Murray Beach, President of M&A International Inc. and conference Chairman, commented:

"The principal drivers of M&A activity in China will be the impact of WTO admission, private equity funds finally securing Chinese investment opportunities after a false start, the rapid consolidation of domestic industry to compete on a global basis, clarification of securities legislation and the strengthening of Intellectual Property law.

"Chinese industry will continue its expansion overseas via acquisitions across all sectors, especially traditional industries such as energy and mining, and across all continents. Domestic M&A deals will be driven by the need to consolidate, and further inward investment is certain. The Chinese M&A market is set for take-off."

Dr Dana Schuppert, CEO of M&A International Inc.’s member in Beijing, Strategic European Investment Management Ltd. noted:

"It is clear that 2007 will be a record year for M&A in China. The continued availability of low cost finance on a global basis, coupled with the Chinese economy growing at 11% per annum, will help drive M&A activity in China. Our presence across China will be used by our clients to take advantage of the many opportunities."

About M&A International
M&A INTERNATIONAL INC. is the world's leading alliance of mid-market merger & acquisition specialists with over 400 professional advisors in 42 member firms in 38 countries. In 2006, our members closed over 290 deals worth more than $17.5 billion, of which 88 were cross-border.

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