- Mergers and acquisitions: The value of cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) operations throughout the world rose close to 50% in 2000, according to the latest statistics from the UNCTAD (United Nations Conference for Trade and development). From USD 186 billion in 1995, they rose to 531 billion in 1998 before finishing at 1,143 billion in 2000. The largest share of these operations took place between developed countries, to the value of USD 1,057 billion. The greatest increases have...