2025 M&A trends survey

From uncertainty to cautious optimism

Uncertainty has always been part of the dealmaking mix. For the year ahead, our new survey indicates that pivots, shifts, and innovation are the tactics most likely to be embraced by dealmakers as they adapt to current trends. For 2025, we anticipate that macroeconomic tailwinds will likely prompt increased M&A activity, building on the measured rebound we forecasted, and then experienced, during 2024.

Key findings: Observations and opportunities

In our 11th annual look at the M&A landscape, we have summarized the dealmaker sentiments, plans, and expectations that are likely to shape market trends for the coming year. The survey data evidences a new era of opportunity for value creation, centered on agility and flexibility, for corporate and private equity dealmakers.

Pivoting: A core M&A competency for 2025

Today, dealmakers must navigate perpetual uncertainty and thus pivoting has emerged as an M&A competency for the 21st century. Risk management has evolved, and the technology based on high-volume data for deal intelligence has entered a new era with Generative AI and other new technologies. The more the quantitative evidence of change and innovation seems to multiply, the bolder and more successful dealmaking often becomes.

This is all why our focus on M&A “pivots” is apt as 2025 dawns. When your organization is more oriented around legacy and resisting change, shocks in the market combine to be a brick wall. Not anymore. In both corporations and private equity firms, agility and flexibility are now the coin of realm, enabling dealmakers to better take advantage of unexpected challenges and opportunities.