The speed at which the med-tech industry is completing mergers and acquisitions in 2021 is something quite contrary to the typical slowdown seen when the financing window is open wide. But yet, a total of 477 M&As valued at $109.18 billion have closed in the first three quarters this year, more in volume and value than for each of the previous three years, and during what appears to be the second best year on record for financings. The sector has already raised $42 billion. On the other hand, the lack of disclosed terms continues to weigh heavy on deals, making them appear on paper to be significantly below recent years, down by about 73% in comparison with 2020’s first three quarters. Importantly, though, numbers of completed deals for every quarter and for the combined nine months are at their highest levels ever.

With more than two months of financings yet to record for the year, the med-tech industry has already raised more money through IPOs and venture capital rounds than in each of the prior four years. But fewer funds collected through follow-on offerings and private placements puts 2021 about 30% below the full-year total for 2020, which was $59.7 billion.

Ernst and Young’s (EY) annual Pulse of the Industry report released today provided proof of med tech’s strong rebound from the disruption of the pandemic. Research and development investment soared, deal activity hit new highs, venture capital poured $9.1 billion into the sector, IPOs doubled, and more than 9 out of 10 of commercial leaders reported increased revenues.

With one completed med-tech merger ranking within the BioWorld Top 10 list for highest value, and two others set to join the list in coming months, 2021 is turning out to be the strongest M&A year for the industry to date.

With financings falling just shy of last year, the med-tech industry has raised a total of $41.3 billion so far in 2021 through 494 financings. That is down roughly 3% from the 513 financings worth $42.46 billion by this point in 2020. Most of the money last year came through follow-on offerings and private placements, with IPOs and venture capital rounds making up only 26% of the total.