Merger and acquisition activity in Australia fell sharply in the 2020 financial year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, according to a report by Herbert Smith Freehills.

There were some 51 control transactions involving Australian companies with an aggregate value of A$13.4 billion ($9.6 billion) in 2020, compared with 63 transactions worth A$45.9 billion ($32.9 billion) the year before.