Global M&A Activity Surges by 10% in 2025, Led by North America

Global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity has experienced a significant resurgence, increasing by 10% in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reaching a total of $1.938 trillion. This marks the highest level since 2022, despite ongoing challenges such as U.S. tariff uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.

The Boston Consulting Group's (BCG) Global M&A Report, released on October 28, 2025, highlights this upward trend, indicating a robust recovery in the M&A landscape. North America led this growth, with deal values rising over 25% to $1.2 trillion, accounting for more than 60% of the global total. In contrast, Europe experienced a 5% decline to $375 billion, though countries like the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany posted significant gains. The United Kingdom remained Europe's largest M&A market, despite a 35% drop in deal value. The Asia-Pacific region saw a 19% decrease, reaching a decade low of $284 billion.

Sector-wise, technology, media, and telecommunications dominated with $536 billion in deals, followed by financial institutions and real estate at $357 billion, and industrials at $280 billion.

This data indicates a continued recovery in global M&A activity, with significant regional and sectoral variations.

The resurgence in M&A activity reflects growing corporate confidence and strategic realignments in response to evolving market conditions. The dominance of the TMT sector highlights the increasing importance of digital transformation and technological innovation. However, regional disparities, such as the decline in Asia-Pacific, suggest that geopolitical tensions and economic policies continue to impact global deal flows.

The global M&A landscape has been influenced by various factors in recent years. In 2024, deal values increased by 5% compared to 2023, while deal volumes decreased by 17%. Notably, the number of deals valued at over $1 billion rose from 430 in 2023 to more than 500 in 2024, boosting average deal sizes by 11% to $146 million.

In the technology sector, M&A activity in 2025 has shown renewed momentum after a lull driven by high interest rates and economic uncertainty. Salesforce's $8 billion acquisition of Informatica underscores the strategic importance of AI and signals a shift in market activity. The sector is gravitating towards high-growth areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and fintech.

The resurgence in M&A activity reflects growing corporate confidence and strategic realignments in response to evolving market conditions. The dominance of the TMT sector highlights the increasing importance of digital transformation and technological innovation. However, regional disparities, such as the decline in Asia-Pacific, suggest that geopolitical tensions and economic policies continue to impact global deal flows.

As companies continue to navigate a complex global landscape, the M&A market is expected to remain a critical tool for strategic growth and adaptation. The coming months will reveal whether this upward trend can be sustained amid ongoing economic and political challenges.