Silicon Valley Deal Volume Up in Q1, 2010

According to technology investment research firm 451 Group, the number of technology mergers and acquisitions announced in the first quarter of the year rose to its highest level since the financial crisis first gripped the market.

There were 841 deals announced, the highest number since the second quarter of 2007, but only 12 exceeded $1 billion in transaction value.  The majority were seven to eight-figure deals (between $1 million to just below $100 million).

Furthermore, many technology companies are still sitting on the sidelines with large cash reserves, so deal activity could increase as the economy improves.