In 2025, global M&A professionals are optimistic about the year ahead, with 87% of survey respondents from SS&C Intralinks and Reuters Events anticipating increased deal and financing activity. This is a significant shift from the previous year when only half of respondents felt similarly. With optimism rising across regions, particularly in North America and Asia-Pacific, CFOs are likely to see more opportunities in large-scale deals. The focus has shifted away from distressed assets, with only 14% of respondents expecting to be involved in such transactions, down from 45% last year. As business confidence grows, M&A is increasingly seen as a strategic tool for expansion, particularly in the technology sector, driven by digital transformation.
While deal volume is expected to rise, M&A activity is also trending toward larger transactions. Nearly a third of respondents foresee deals exceeding $10 billion, compared to just 8% in 2024. For CFOs, this growth presents both an opportunity and a challenge, as regulatory hurdles and political instability remain key concerns. Digital transformation continues to be a driving force, as organizations seek to rapidly adopt new technologies. As companies look to leverage uninvested capital and lower debt costs, the advice for CFOs is clear: proactively seek opportunities, as valuations are lower than the 2021 peak, making 2025 an ideal time to seize high-value targets.
