Now in its third year, our Global M&A trends and risks report, published in partnership with Mergermarket, captures insights from senior dealmakers across the world on the key risks and opportunities shaping mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deal activity in 2025.
Following a relatively promising start to the year for M&A activity, the US tariff announcements impacted dealmaking confidence, triggering global trade uncertainty and moderating M&A deals across the global M&A landscape. However, some optimism remains, and dealmakers are recalibrating—shifting toward regional M&A deals, adapting capital structures, and leaning on private debt.
Rajj Karia, Global Head of Corporate M&A and Securities, explores some of the key findings including:
- Escalation in trade tensions causes short-term M&A appetite to decrease
- AI adoption needs to increase across all industries
- Private capital continues to grow
- Dealmakers will become more active in the second half of 2025 as clarity emerges and trade deals are done
- Uptick in W&I insurance market activity signals renewed confidence in deal making
- Signs of life in parts of the equity markets expected to rise
What else does 2025 have in store for dealmakers?
Download our 2025 Global M&A risks and trends report now
