SNL Kagan's Chart Watchexamines merger and acquisition activity in the media, new media andcommunications sectors in March.

's pending acquisitionof Carmike CinemasInc. was the top deal of the month across the media, new media andcommunications sectors. The acquisition, with a deal value of $756.2 millionand a transaction value of $1.11 billion, will the number of AMC screensnationwide from 5,426 to 8,280; making AMC the largest film exhibitor in theworld.

Meanwhile,Sony Corp.. agreed tobuy out the Michael Jackson estate's 50% interest in Sony/ATV in a valued at $750 million. Thedeal gives Sony complete control of the music publishing company.

Forthe third month in arow there wasactivity in the TV network space with Hallmark Cards Inc. all of 'soutstanding common stock in a short-form merger. Crown Media, the owner of andHallmark Movies & Mysteries(US) will go private unless the minority shareholders in Crown Mediacan find a buyer. Hallmark Cards Inc. is acquiring the 9.7% stake it does notalready own.

had the topcommunications deal in March, acquiring 1,350 communications towered in a dealvalued at $179 million.

Therewere 27 total communications deals in the first quarter of 2016, with anaggregate transaction and deal value of $1.80 billion, compared to 18 totaldeals in the first quarter of 2015, with an aggregate transaction value of$21.53 billion and an aggregate deal value of $20.93 billion.

Therewere a total of 481 media and new media deals in the first quarter of 2016,with an aggregate transaction value of $11.62 billion and an aggregate dealvalue of $9.06 billion, compared to 201 total deals in the first quarter of2015, with an aggregate transaction value of $2.73 billion and an aggregatedeal value of $3.26 billion.

The chartsbelow detail both announced and completed transactions in March with aggregatedeal values and transaction figures for the last 12 months.