Future of the Deal

The last five years witnessed an unprecedented bull run in global M&A markets and 2018 was the fifth consecutive year deal values crossed the $3 trillion mark. Looking ahead into 2019 and beyond, the winds of change are evident in the rise of political and economic uncertainties.

At the same time the momentum created by the last five years will simply not vanish: corporate cash levels remain at record levels, cross-border deal flows remain unabated with US and Japan leading the way, and private equity sector enjoyed its best ever year since 2007 and remains hungry for deals.

M&A is inherently a long-term decision, so while current conditions could prompt caution, we do not expect dealmakers to become dormant.