HP acquired Palm at the end of April, while airlines United and Continental merged as of May 3, signaling an increase in M&A activity with big names attached. And, just as banks and law firms see a bump in activity when the market opens up again, PR firms specializing in M&A are also adjusting to a more robust climate.

M&A activity was up worldwide by 15% year on year in the first quarter, according to Mergermarket's League Tables of PR ...