8216;Chemical energy M038;A deals at 41 bn8217;

According to a report by PwC,there were a total of 31 transactions worth over USD 50 million during the quarter,adding up to a cumulative of USD 41 billion in the first quarter of 2011,compared to 21 deals totaling USD 23 billion in the year-ago period.

This represents a 48 per cent increase in the volume and 78 per cent jump in the value of Mamp;A deals in the chemical energy sector.

8220;The higher level of deal activity can be attributed to stronger balance sheets,healthier margins and positive forecasts from a range of businesses across the globe,8221; PwC Global Chemicals Leader Tracey Stover said.

Stover further said,8221;As the global economy and fundamental demand for chemicals continues,we expect a high level of deal activity will continue,making 2011 a very

strong year for Mamp;A in the global chemicals industry.8221;

Geographically,North America led first quarter deal activity in terms of value with 12 transactions worth USD 50 million or more,totalling USD 21.1 billion. The Asia-Pacific region led in terms of volume,with 17 deals worth USD 10.6 billion.

The report did not provide any specific data on India.

China showed strong activity,with about USD 6 billion in deals of all sizes,including USD 3.8 billion worth of outbound deals and USD 1.9 billion in local deals.

8220;China,as well as emerging market deal-makers,are expected to play an even greater role in activity this year,which could significantly increase the level of competitive bidding,8221; Stover added.