Bain & Company – Global M&A Report, 2025

The report by Bain & Company "Global M&A Report 2025" examines the trends and challenges in the mergers and acquisitions market over the past year. Despite expectations for economic conditions to improve, 2024 ended with persistent headwinds in the M&A market. The total M&A activity reached $3.5 trillion, similar to mid-2010s levels. Corporate deal value increased by 12%, while financial acquisitions surged by 29%. High interest rates, regulatory scrutiny, and valuation disagreements posed challenges, leading to strategic stagnation in some areas. However, the best companies adapted by revising processes to navigate these hurdles. The report highlights the need for flexibility in M&A strategies amid macroeconomic and political uncertainties.