Acceleration of the number of corporate transactions in recent weeks has come as a surprise, bucking a slow first quarter that was burdened with fears of a renewed market slowdown.
Germany has led the way with a spate of negotiations and proposed mergers, partly reflecting the underlying long-term strain facing both companies and banks in the country.
Many of the deals will send ripples into global shipping markets, not only through the business conducted by the companies directly concerned but also by setting a fresh agenda for change in the industry as minds start to turn to future opportunities.
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