March Mega Deals Signal Hope For Global M&A Despite Q1 Hurdles
- Editor
- Mar 25
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 26
Whats Happening:
Global M&A activity in Q1 2025 faced significant challenges due to geopolitical tensions, aggressive tariff policies, and AI disruption. However, a rebound in March, driven by five mega deals, offered signs of recovery. Total global deal volume year-to-date reached USD 827 billion, up 15.5% from last year, despite a record-low deal count in 20 years.
Key Moves:
Global deal volume rose 15.5% YTD to USD 827 billion
February saw a slowdown with USD 259 billion across 2,638 transactions
March rebounded with five mega deals (above USD 10 billion each)
By The Numbers:
Global private equity buyout volumes increased 58% YOY
Sponsor exits surged 49%
US deal volume fell 1% YOY to USD 401.8 billion
Key Quotes:
"M&A deal flow is adapting to shifting macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions set in flight by last year's US election and renewed European focus on strategic autonomy." - Lucinda Guthrie, Head of Mergermarket
"While boardrooms digest the impact of tariffs and trade barriers on their businesses, dealmaking momentum has been hampered by uncertainty."
Bottom Line:
Despite facing significant challenges in Q1 2025, global M&A activity showed resilience with a 15.5% increase in deal volume. The March rebound, driven by mega deals, suggests potential recovery. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions and AI disruption continue to shape the M&A landscape, requiring dealmakers to remain adaptable and strategically resilient.
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