| Key Points: – Global M&A value reaches $2.6 trillion YTD, the highest since the 2021 post-pandemic surge. – AI, big tech, and private equity lead activity despite fewer total deals and tariff tensions. – U.S. megadeals and renewed corporate confidence drive optimism for more deals ahead. |
Global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity has surged to $2.6 trillion year-to-date, making 2025 the most active year since the 2021 boom, as companies aggressively pursue growth and innovation—particularly in artificial intelligence. The total value of deals has risen 28% from the same period last year, even though the actual number of transactions is down 16%, according to data from Dealogic.
Several U.S. megadeals have fueled the resurgence, including Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern and OpenAI’s massive $40 billion funding round led by Japan’s SoftBank. These transactions signal a bold appetite for scale and future-proofing in the face of evolving technologies and regulatory dynamics.
What’s driving this momentum? Experts say companies are seeking to stay ahead in a transformative AI race, while adapting to a more settled political and regulatory environment following the initial uncertainties surrounding the Trump administration’s trade tariffs and antitrust posture.
Private equity has also re-entered the scene with major moves. Examples include Sycamore Partners’ $10 billion buyout of Walgreens Boots Alliance and Advent’s revised $6.4 billion bid for UK firm Spectris. These moves show that buyout firms are growing confident in valuations and exit opportunities once again.
While healthcare led the charge in previous years, technology and electronics are now driving deal volume, especially in the U.S. and UK. Notable moves include Samsung’s $1.7 billion acquisition of FlaktGroup, which specializes in data center cooling—an essential infrastructure for AI systems.
The largest deal in EMEA this year came from Palo Alto Networks, which acquired Israeli cybersecurity company CyberArk for $25 billion. Rising AI-driven threats have made cybersecurity a top priority, prompting record valuations in the space.
Looking ahead, dealmakers at JPMorgan and other institutions remain bullish. The combination of AI demand, digital infrastructure needs, and steady leadership in corporate boardrooms suggests that the second half of 2025 could see even more high-profile M&A activity.
