Dealmakers Predict Surge in Mergers and Acquisitions

With growing optimism that the U.S. economy is headed in the right direction, private equity firms are gearing up for an increase in M&A activity.

In exclusive interviews at a Tulane University M&A conference, top dealmakers talked with David Faber about the M&A long-term outlook.

2010 'Decent, Not a Great Year' for M&As:

Robert Kindler, the vice chairman of investment banking for Morgan Stanley :
"Just because you can get money, doesn't mean you shoud do deals."

M&A Titan Expects a Resurgence:

Doug Braunstein, head of Americas investment banking at JPMorgan Chase :
"As the economy strengthens...companies are going to start using the cash."

Is M&A Ripe for the Picking?:
Robert Spatt, Simpson Thacher & Barlett:
There is growing argreement that things are "clearly getting better."

Separately, CNBC's Matt Nesto has an outlook on stocks that will be the next big targets for M&A.

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