A Stronger Year Ahead for M&A
Up from last year, seventy-four percent of respondents said that the U.S. M&A market will strengthen in the next 12 months. Following the trend of 2024, general economic conditions (46%), financial market conditions (39%) and availability of capital (31%) and quality targets will drive future M&A opportunities. The availability of quality targets (31%), technological transformation and integration (26%), and company valuations (24%) are also increasingly important drivers of M&A.
How will the U.S. M&A market in the next 12 months compare to the last 12 dmonths?
When asked whether they expect their company or one of their portfolio companies to be involved in a deal over the next 12 months, the majority of respondents said yes. Acquisitions led the way, with (69%) anticipating activity, followed by joint ventures at (52%), and sales at (50%). These figures reflect a notable uptick from 2024, when (61%) expected acquisitions, (47%) anticipated joint ventures, and (46%) projected sales.
Which of the following were the most common obstacles you experienced in dealmaking over the past 12 months?*
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“We’ve all been waiting for the M&A market to turn a corner—and while the start of the year has been slower than expected, the fundamentals are aligning for change. We are seeing more clients re-engage, reassess valuations, and prepare for strategic moves. The momentum is building—it’s just a matter of timing.”Ariel J. Snyder |
