The UK M&A market is showing signs of recovery as activity levels begin to improve, according to new research from mergermarket.

The figures show that 171 UK M&A deals were announced in the first quarter of 2010, compared to 150 during the same period last year, while the total value of deals during Q1 also increased, rising from $18.6bn (£12.2bn) last year to $20.7bn (£13.6bn).