The article discusses the current trend of corporate consolidation, driven by the COVID-19 crisis, which has led to a surge in M&A activity. According to Refinitiv, global M&A activity in the first half of 2021 was worth more than $2.8tn, the highest half-yearly total ever recorded. David Dubner, head of M&A structuring at Goldman Sachs, has referred to this as a "super-bloom". The article also raises questions about the effectiveness of earn-out deals and the risks posed by SPAC acquisitions.
