Reuters noted in a report that cheap financing, strong equity markets and growing confidence in the economy has led more U.S. companies to pursue large acquisitions in the first quarter, making up for flagging activity in Europe and Asia and sending the worth of global mergers and acquisitions slightly higher.

Reuters said U.S. deal activity has surged 62% during the quarter, bolstered by a series of deals valued at over $5 billion, including the $23.2 billion takeover of H.J. Heinz by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and Brazilian private equity firm 3G Capital.

Reuters noted that global deal volume rose 6% to $430.4 billion through March 19, even as deal volume in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region fell 31% and 10%, respectively.

To read the Reuters story click here.