Private firms to provide momentum for M&A deals in 2015

Private-sector companies based in China are set to drive another strong year of Asian mergers and acquisitions in 2015 after deals hit a record this year, with consumer, retail, financial services and technology seen as the most active sectors for deals.

These companies, including Fosun International Ltd and Haitong Securities Co Ltd, have sealed outbound deals this year, a marked change from past years when State-owned enterprises dominated China's mergers and acquisitions.

Bankers expect that trend to accelerate next year, mirroring private companies' increased role in equity capital markets as China's reforms aim to make the world's second-largest economy more responsive to market forces.