M&A activity expanded in June for the thirteenth consecutive month but at a slightly slower pace than the previous month, according to Mergers & Acquisitions’ M&A Conditions Index (MACI). The MACI composite score dipped to 54.5, down from 55.8 in May.

Most components of the index indicated some slowing in June, including leads for new deals, signed letters of intent and completed deals. Divestitures, an especially volatile component of late, dropped 5 points. The components that showed improvement included financing availability, M&A business activity, M&A business staffing and bidders.

Most dealmakers who responded to our June survey expressed optimism about the overall conditions for M&A. The “aging population of owners looking to finally retire has been huge,” said one participant. “Lack of family transition opportunity coupled with heavy PE appetite has been a boon for deal flow.”

Some who reported a slowdown attributed it to summer vacations, while others blamed “gridlock” in the federal government.

June Conditions Index