The Bridgepoint Midwest M&A Index, a measure of corporate merger and acquisition activity in the Midwest, decreased another 7.8 percent in the first quarter of 2016. On a year-over-year basis, the index decreased 18.7 percent from the first quarter of 2015, according to the report compiled by Bridgepoint Merchant Banking in Des Moines. The Midwest index is reflective of the broader M&A environment; U.S. middle-market M&A volume tumbled in the first quarter to levels last seen in the wake of the collapse of Lehman Bros. “While buyers continue to see elevated valuations and lack of quality companies available for purchase, the window remains open and attractive for healthy companies who are near-term sellers,” said Bridgepoint Managing Principal Matt Plooster. To read the full report, click here.