Lex Mundi, the global network of independent law firms, launched its Global M&A Trends Report 2021 this month, with insight and predictions from 67 law firms. While the impact of COVID-19 played heavily on lawyers’ minds, a substantial majority predicted increased deal activity. For example, Mark Ellis, partner at Burness Paull, noted a trend for an increasing number of oil and gas exploration companies using their AIM listings to raise substantial funds to acquire portfolios of revenue-producing assets.