M&A Survey Trends 2025

For 2025, our latest survey indicates that pivots, shifts, and innovation are the tactics most likely to be embraced by dealmakers as they adapt to current trends. We anticipate that macroeconomic tailwinds will likely prompt increased M&A activity, building on the measured rebound we forecasted, and then experienced, during 2024.

The 2024 rebound is partly attributed to the 2023 year-end bang when
nearly $750 billion worth of deals were announced in rapid succession during the last three months, with buoyancy spilling over into 2024. This is in accordance with our analysis of nearly 40 years of historical data which shows deal volumes tend to recover rapidly as confidence improves. Hence, we anticipate new M&A strategies will emerge and play a central role in helping companies fortify their gains, accelerate change, and capture market leadership.

Corporate and private equity firm “pivoting” is the impetus for our new research. 

Explore the full 2025 M&A Survey Trends report here.

Read our M&A Strategies for a Brave New World global report here.