The number over $1bn was double the figure for 2011, and the top two deals were also nearly double the size of the biggest in 2011.
Brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev led the field with its acquisition of the remaining 49.7% of Mexico’s Modelo for $20,100m in June.
World-leading food producer Nestlé came second with its $11,850m purchase of Pfizer’s nutrition business unit, announced in April and completed in December.
Among the less familiar names making purchases over $1bn were Marubeni and Itochu from Japan, Korsnäs from Sweden, MBK and Dart in the US.
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