Though the number of deals in the Energy, Mining and Utilities sector were fewer in the first half of the year, overall deal value trickled up.

Global M&A activity for Energy, Mining and Utilities (EMU) sectors closed out 1H 2018 with fewer deals, but overall higher deal value when compared to a typical half-year in 2016-2017, according to the .

In 1H 2018, there were 680 deals valued at $341.1 billion. It marked both the lowest deal count since 1H 2015 and the highest first-half deal value since 1H 2007.

Five megadeals (valued at more than $10 billion) played a large role in the boost of deal value.

Activity in the U.S.

The U.S. focused on domestic consolidation in 1H 2018, with 24 outbound EMU transactions with U.S. buyers for a total value of $7.5 billion. Domestic M&A reached 184 deals valued at $134.4 billion, the highest deal value and third-highest deal count for domestic EMU deals on record in the United States.

for $31.3 billion was the largest domestic EMU deal in the United States, according to Mergermarket.

According to Mergermarket intelligence, while the mining sector hasn’t been a focal point of activity in 1H 2018, there could be a turnaround in that trend for the remainder of the year. There may be fewer deals, but larger in value. For example, the is a sizeable deal kicking off 2H 2018.