This year, there are no obvious reasons for optimism regarding M&A deals in Kazakhstan. Mergers and acquisitions totaled about 3 billion US dollars last year in Kazakhstan, but it is still too early to talk about the restoration of activity up to the 2007 level, Interfax reports citing Ernst & Young. Mineral resources continue to attract attention from international and local investors as they represent a long-term strategic interest. Moreover, the real sector has a trend of acquisition of companies experiencing financial difficulties due to a high debt load. There are also transactions associated with the Common Economic Space. Interest in the companies pertaining to the financial sector remains low.