FDI’s role in global growth is undeniably significant – in 2015, the world’s top 200 multinational companies comprised 20% of global GDP, and the top 700 companies comprised between 50% and 67% of global R&D spending, according to greenfield investment monitor fDi Markets. The top 500 companies made up 70% of world trade.
Global M&A is growing, meanwhile, totalling more than $3000bn at the end of August. Crossborder M&A is at its second highest point since 2007. Record M&A levels were reached in North America and Asia-Pacific in sectors such as healthcare, technology and telecommunications. This has been driven by consolidation, tech disruption in media and entertainment, volatility in oil and gas, and enabled by cash balances and low interest rates.