Technology Takeovers to Pick Up in 2010, Says PricewaterhouseCoopers

The pace and size of acquisitions in the technology industry will return to "robust" levels this year after the value of deals dropped by more than 50 percent in 2009, according to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Hardware, Internet and chip companies will be especially active buying smaller businesses, Todson Page, a partner with the consulting firm's transaction services group, said. There were 107 technology takeovers in the U.S. last year, with a total value of $36 billion, PricewaterhouseCoopers said. That compares with 195 deals, totaling $77.2 billion, in 2008. Acquisitions will probably return to 2008 levels this year, spurred by low interest rates, the strength of acquirers' balance sheets and valuations that make companies more willing to sell, the firm said.