Surveys show technology cos., M&A picking up.

• Position: GROWTH - Mergers and acquisition - Survey

Technology CFOs Optimistic for Sector Growth

More than two-thirds (69 percent) of chief financial officers at top technology companies in the United States polled in January anticipate increased sales revenue this year. Last year, only 30 percent of CFOs forecasted increased sales revenue. Overall, the average anticipated sales gain this year is 8.7 percent, up from 1.6 percent last year, and 68 percent of the CFOs say that an economic rebound in the U.S. is the most important factor for driving technology sector growth this year, up from 55 percent last year.

These are among the results of the 2010 Technology Outlook Survey conducted by accounting and consulting firm BDO Seidman.

"Technology CFOs are cautiously optimistic about the economy and growth in the sector this year, but they are still planning on conservative, managed growth for 2010," said Douglas Sirotta, a partner in BDO's Technology practice.

For the most part, he added, "the technology industry will continue to focus on streamlined operations, costcutting and innovation wherever possible. Companies that are strong and looking to grow, however, can afford to be opportunistic in this market." He also expects that as the economy continues to stabilize, "we can expect to see some creative dealmaking."

Middle-Market M&A Looking Up

After two years of significant declines, mergers and acquisitions activity appears poised to grow moderately this year, based on improved trends in late 2009, according to Robert W. Baird & Co Inc.

Its 2010 Middle-Market M&A Outlook Report gives greater detail on other areas that are shaping the M&A environment, including:

* Strategies Stepping Up. Backed by large cash reserves and...