Long-term care saw a significant jump in merger, acquisition and takeover activity in 2011, according to a new report.

The dollar volume in LTC mergers and acquisitions jumped from $12.1 million in 2010 to $16.3 million in 2011, according to The Health Care M & A Report from CT-based Irving Levin Associates. The deal volume in the long-term care sector jumped 39%, according to the report.

In addition, healthcare merger and acquisition spending rose 11% overall last year, the report noted. 

The market is expected to continue its upswing in 2012, said Sanford B. Steever, Ph.D., editor of The Health Care M&A Report. Companies will be focused on growing market share and “overcoming a fragmented delivery system,” he said.