Big technology companies are hunting for deals at their fastest pace in years, racking up acquisitions and strategic investments despite increased regulatory scrutiny during the coronavirus-led market turmoil. Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft have announced 19 deals this year… representing the fastest pace of acquisitions to this date since 2015… The deals mark a departure from the 2001 recession and the 2008 financial crisis, when tech companies largely retreated from big purchases following dips in the stock market… The dealmaking streak also represents a further consolidation of Big Tech’s power in the middle of the Covid-19 crisis, as the groups look to capitalise on their record valuations and resurface as the dominant players in emerging sectors… Analysts have been waiting for an increase in tech mergers and acquisitions spurred by the swelling coffers at the five Big Tech companies, which together held more than $560 billion in cash and marketable securities at the end of the first quarter… Meanwhile, tech companies are also evaluating deals that could reshape emerging sectors such as food delivery and mobility technology… Tech companies were also considering stock-based transactions following a run-up in their stock prices, advisers said.?

Miles Kruppa and James Fontanella-Khan?