CHICAGO – There were 11 completed EMS transactions in the first quarter, on par with M&A activity sequentially, as the industry is still making more moves than in 2009, according to a new report by Lincoln International.

Continued economic and credit market improvements combined with the general market need to deploy cash is driving further M&A, the firm says.

Both EMS consolidation and private equity investment represented four transactions each, or 36% of total activity in the quarter, respectively. While EMS consolidations remained relatively steady, this number of private equity investment transactions is double the amount exhibited in either of the previous two quarters. This highlights the current focus of private equity firms to deploy capital and a renewed desire to invest in the EMS industry, the firm says.

Six transactions occurred within the US and Canada in the first quarter, or 55% of total transactions, highlighting a trend of continued increased M&A activity in the regions year-over-year. Three European deals occurred, equivalent to the level exhibited in each of the last two quarters.

Two cross-border transactions occurred during the period, the highest number in more than two years.

Small tier companies (9) accounted for 82% of all transactions. The large and mid tiers each had one transaction, or 9% of activity each, says Lincoln.