Harris Williams & Co., a preeminent middle market investment bank focused on the advisory needs of clients worldwide, examines the long-term growth in the M&A market in its latest video released today titled “Redefining the Standard.” The M&A market has continued to change and evolve and over the past 10 years, its size and complexity have dramatically increased. There are more than 3,300 private equity groups today, increased from just over 1,800 in 2004*. This growth has fueled private equity deals in the middle market, which increased 162% between 2004 and 2014*. In addition to the maturation of private equity as an asset class, strategic buyers have become increasingly aggressive across every industry.

“The M&A environment has changed significantly over the past several years,” said Chris Williams, co-founder and managing director at Harris Williams & Co. “Globalization has heavily impacted the market and industry knowledge has become essential.”

“As a firm, we continue to adapt and evolve with the market while maintaining our culture and focus on superior execution in order to provide the best outcomes for clients,” said Hiter Harris, co-founder and managing director at Harris Williams & Co.

Entering Q2, robust financing markets, highly active strategic buyers and significant amounts of private equity capital continue to lead to strong valuations. The number of new deals coming to market and pitch opportunities have increased since the start of the year. With a strong pipeline of transactions, Harris Williams & Co. expects 2015 to show high levels of activity across all of its Industry Groups. To watch the firm’s latest video, click here.

Harris Williams & Co. (www.harriswilliams.com), a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:PNC), is a preeminent middle market investment bank focused on the advisory needs of clients worldwide. The firm has deep industry knowledge, global transaction expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Harris Williams & Co. provides sell-side and acquisition advisory, restructuring advisory, board advisory, private placements and capital markets advisory services.

Investment banking services are provided by Harris Williams LLC, a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC, and Harris Williams & Co. Ltd, which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Harris Williams & Co. is a trade name under which Harris Williams LLC and Harris Williams & Co. Ltd conduct business.

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*PitchBook., 2015.