PricewaterhouseCoopers has just released its "Trendsetter Barometer," a survey of 286 fast-growing, privately owned product and service companies.

The results signal more future M&A activity on their part. A hefty 38% are planning an acquisition or merger over the next three years and another 28% expect to put their company, or part of their company up for sale over the next three years. The leading factor noted by the survey participants motivating M&A activity over the next three years is to achieve larger market share or dominance. Other objectives included the desire for non-organic growth, competitive positioning, obtaining key personnel or employees and strategic skill sets.

Interestingly enough, 59% of those planning M&A activity within the next 3 years are planning to do so to achieve sufficient size/scope to become a target for a large company. — Baz Hiralal

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