Global merger volume fell by more than one third in 2009’s first three quarters, and M&A fees were down by half. By all measures it was a tough environment for takeovers — and perhaps the ultimate challenge for deal makers. In recognition of this, Institutional Investor introduces Rainmakers of the Year, a feature that singles out the bankers behind six of the world’s top ten acquisitions by fees, as estimated by Dealogic.


2009 TOP RAINMAKERS

1 Jack Levy Goldman, Sachs & Co.

2 Alex Wilmot-Sitwell UBS

3 Thierry Varène BNP Paribas

4 Michael Klein Citi

5 Arthur Korpach Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

6 Todd Snyder Rothschild

Top ten 2009 Deals Ranked by Fees

The ten deals are ranked according to Dealogic’s estimate of the total M&A fees they generated. The research firm reckons they range broadly from $100 million to $250 million. It declines, however, to cite specific figures for each deal.

1. Pfizer–Wyeth Corp.
6. Dow Chemical Co.–Rohm & Haas

2. Gas Natural SDG–Union Fenosa
7. Merck & Co.–Schering-Plough

3. Schaeffler KG–Continental
8. Suncor Energy–Petro-Canada

4. Lloyds TSB Group–HBOS
9. General Motors Corp.

5. Electricité de France–British Energy
10. Verizon Communications–Alltel

Source: Dealogic.