Asia Pacific mergers and acquisitions (M&As), excluding Japan, surged 50% in the first half of 2007 to a record $253 billion (Rs10.37 trillion), with Australian buyout deals and an overseas push by Indian firms expected to keep activity at high levels. Australia accounted for $76 billion worth of deals in the half, followed by China ($55 billion) and India ($39 billion), according to preliminary data from Dealogic. “This year has been characterized by a good spread of volumes. India’s been very strong and success has begotten success,” said Matthew Hanning, head of Asia Pacific M&A at UBS Investment Bank. […]