Merger and acquisition activity in the consumer sector has remained strong, with deal volume for the year to date reaching the third-highest level based on records dating to 2001, according to Mergermarket. During the first three quarters of this year, the sector recorded 1,456 transactions worth a combined US$308.3 billion globally. The deal value represented an 87.6 per cent surge from a year earlier. In general, dealmaking in the consumer sector has been impressive globally so far this year, and Mergermarket believes the environment remains favourable going forward.