• by Joe Mandese  @mp_joemandese, April 9, 2021

Media and marketing industry merger and acquisition deals crashed in terms of both deal volume and dollar value during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the second quarter of 2020, but they're beginning to trend upward again, according to an analysis published by investment banking firm Berkery Noyes.

"Media and marketing transaction volume improved 13% over the past three months, from 270 to 303," the report notes, adding, "Aggregate value declined 40%, from $26.4 billion to $15.8 billion."

The analysts noted that marketing sector activity has been especially strong, rising 44% over the fourth quarter of 2020.