M&A Activity in 2014: Bruce Engler Voices Optimism in Twin Cities Business

Bruce Engler, head of FaegreBD's M&A practice, shared his expectations for M&A activity in 2014 with Twin Cities Business. Despite what Engler noted as a fickle M&A market in 2013, he expects an uptick in activity in 2014. "I think 2013 was still a bit choppy and didn't live up to expectations," Engler said. "I think this year is going to be very good. I'm very optimistic about this year."

He added that he expects 2014 to define economic recovery from the stagnation of recent years. "I've been surprised that the market hasn't been stronger the last couple of years," he said. "The economy has been moving in fits and starts. I sense that a lot of that is getting resolved going into this year."

Engler also told Twin Cities Business that a surplus of cash on corporate balance sheets could help fuel future deals, and noted that private equity firms are also expected to seek new opportunities. "Private equity firms have a lot of capital available and they're anxious to put it to work, so that's a very favorable factor," Engler said. "I think something needs to push the sellers off the sidelines. The valuations are very attractive for deals that are getting done. I think that the market is going to be strong overall."