Bank of America Appoints New Co-Heads for EMEA M&A Division Amid Dealmaking Surge

Bank of America has appointed Geoff Iles and Lukas Poensgen as co-heads of its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) division for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), effective September 22, 2025. This leadership change follows the promotion of Eamon Brabazon to co-head of global M&A in late 2024.

Geoff Iles, who joined Bank of America in 2003, has led the UK M&A division for the past seven years and will continue to be based in London. Lukas Poensgen, with the bank since 2010, previously oversaw M&A operations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and will be based in Frankfurt.

The appointments come amid a resurgence in dealmaking activity within the EMEA region. According to PwC's 2025 mid-year outlook, the global M&A market experienced a 9% drop in deal volumes compared to the same period in 2024, but overall deal values increased by 15%, reflecting a market environment where investors are prioritizing quality over quantity. In the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), deal volume reached 1,447 transactions in the first half of 2025, up 15.5% from the same period in 2024. Total deal value in the region moderated to €83.6 billion, a 10.9% decline from the previous half-year, but the average deal size increased to €202 million, indicating a shift toward larger, more strategic transactions.

Bank of America currently ranks sixth among advisers on deals in the EMEA region, holding a 9.7% market share. The appointments of Iles and Poensgen are part of the bank's strategy to strengthen its M&A capabilities in the region and enhance its presence in these markets.

The European M&A landscape in 2025 is influenced by several factors, including stabilizing interest rates and evolving regulatory environments. According to PwC's 2025 outlook, companies are focusing on growth and business transformation, with M&A serving as a strategic element to shape their future and generate growth. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is acting as a catalyst for change and reinvention, further driving M&A activity.

The appointments of Iles and Poensgen underscore Bank of America's commitment to adapting to the evolving M&A landscape and positioning itself as a key player in the EMEA region.