Aug. 12, 2013: More Retail M&A Ahead: Report

Merger-and-acquisition activity in the retail/consumer sector is expected to remain strong in the second half, according to a report last week from research and consulting firm PwC. Although deal activity slowed from Q1 to Q2, corporate balance sheets remain strong and private-equity firms are flush with cash. “The declines we saw in the second quarter will likely be temporary as the pipeline for deals resets,” said Leanne Sardiga, partner and PwC’s U.S. retail and consumer deals leader.