Grand Rapids Business Journal Advisers recommend prospective sellers start the process early in the year for the best outcomes. Ralph M. Della Ratta An improved public health environment and the possibility of higher capital gains taxes will likely drive increased merger and acquisition activity in 2021, according to a Citizens survey. Companies will rely on M&A for growth in 2021, and more sellers will be open to making deals, particularly in the second half, according to Citizens’ Middle Market M&A Outlook 2021, a report drawn from a survey of 700 leaders at U.S. middle market companies and private equity firms. Typically, the economic outlook is the most significant factor in a company’s consideration of an M&A transaction, Citizens said. However, this year’s findings show that, in 2021, COVID-19 and tax policies of the incoming Biden administration are top drivers, with increased expectations for an M&A spike if the administration passes capital gains tax hikes.