A variety of new research reports conclude the fundamentals for healthy dealmaking remain firmly in place, and most believe the worst of the year is over. In fact, it appears U.S. M&A is normalizing and positive results for Q4 may be expected. Although the numbers for the first half of 2016 were the lowest since 2013, they actually are higher than any first half from 2008 through 2013. Why? Perhaps this is a signal the M&A boom of recent years remains alive and well, if a bit diminished.

Q: In 2015, we heard a lot about how favorable the market was for acquisitions. What’s happening with deals in investment banking now? WILFONG: Indeed, 2015 was a very robust year for deals in the lower middle-market space which FOCUS defines as companies that do up to 250 million in revenue. This activity was driven by a couple of factors...