NEW YORK, July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Berkery Noyes, the leading independent investment bank specializing in the information, content and technology industries, today released its Half Year Mergers and Acquisitions Trends Report for Private Equity in the Information Industry.

The report analyzes merger and acquisition activity in the private equity market over the first half of 2011 and compares it with activity in the four previous sixth-month periods. Berkery Noyes includes in this report transactions made by financially sponsored acquirers within the Information Industry, including purchases made by subsidiaries or platforms of private equity firms.

Berkery Noyes data shows that transaction volume and aggregate value rose considerably over the second half of 2010. Transaction volume gained 11 percent in the first half of 2011, rising to 171, while value rose a considerable 21 percent in the first half, hitting $11 billion.

“The data shows that the private equity market continues to improve in the number of completed deals from the trough of 2009,” said John Shea, COO of Berkery Noyes. “The upward trend has been lumpy, however, and will probably continue that way for some time.”

The report also highlights the activity of Thomas H. Lee Partners within the information industry this half as the most active financial acquirer, with 10 acquisitions. Thomas H. Lee Partners also announced the highest valued transaction this half, the pending acquisition of Acosta, Inc., a subsidiary of AEA Investors LP, for $2 billion.

Unique among investment banking firms, Berkery Noyes combines independent strategic research and industry intelligence with senior information technology banking expertise. Berkery Noyes has committed itself to providing more expansive and more current information on the acquisition activity in the firm’s respective coverage areas.

A copy of the First Half 2011 Private Equity Industry M&A Report is available at the Berkery Noyes website.

About Berkery Noyes

Berkery Noyes is an independent investment banking advisory firm servicing the information industry. Focused on middle-market corporations and financial sponsors, Berkery Noyes is committed to delivering a comprehensive array of industry-leading advisory services. For private owners, Berkery Noyes helps create liquidity and execute timely exit strategies that achieve the personal and professional objectives. For more information, visit www.berkerynoyes.com.

SOURCE Berkery Noyes