The Industrials Insider is a periodic newsletter addressing capital markets and mergers and acquisitions activity, financial and operating performance of certain publicly-traded companies, and trends and issues affecting the industry.

Early signs point to an M&A market poised for strong deal flow in 2013. Confidence is continuing to build, buoyed by an improving economic climate and rising corporate earnings.

The manufacturing sector is a bright spot of the U.S. economy with differentiated industrials businesses garnering significant buyer interest. Fundamental drivers, namely excess capital and the need for acquisitions to demonstrate growth, will propel deal flow and valuations for strong performing companies.