New York—Media and marketing mergers and acquisitions activity surged in the first half of the year, according to data released separately by two investment banks. The number of transactions increased 14% to 644 in the first half of the year compared with the year-earlier period, according to a report from Berkery, Noyes & Co. called “Half Year Mergers and Acquisitions Trends Report for the Media & Marketing Industry.” Internet media was the most active category, with a 38% increase in transactions volume to 249. The report also found that aggregate transaction value increased 68%, to $28.9 billion. In the marketing, media, technology and service industries, M&A deals were up 241%, to 1,353, in the first half of the year compared with the year-earlier period, according to Petsky Prunier. Similarly, aggregate deal value increased 193%, to $63.3 billion in the same period.