The merger and acquisition market has been red-hot this year, but things are expected to cool down in 2016. Although the first quarter is expected to bring a slight year over year increase in M&A deal volume because of how many deals were entering the due diligence phase this past summer, it’s simply going to be difficult for 2016 to be able to match the sheer number and size of this year’s deal activities. Looking on a quarter over quarter basis, the M&A market is expected to drop off meaningfully: