In the first quarter of 2012 alone, the M&A deal value in Vietnam reached $1.5 billion, rising 207 percent over the same period last year.

Most large transactions are share issuances for foreign investors, such as Vietnam Commercial Joint Stock Bank for Foreign Trade (Vietcombank-VCB) issued 347.6 million shares (15 percent stake) worth about $560 million for Japanese Mizuho Corporate Bank, Hanel Co acquired and now holds 100 percent stake in Dewoo hotel (Hanoi), Contecons Construction Co issued 10 million shares (25 percent stake) worth $25 million for Kutso Group.

These organisations also forecast growth rate of M&A activities in 2012 would be about 40%. Sectors of banking-finance and consumer goods continue to be the most attractive targets. Of which, Japanese investors are tending to heavily invest in consumer goods and finance fields.