2025 Global M&A Outlook: Dealmakers’ Perspectives on a Dynamic Market

The 2024 M&A market brought its fair share of challenges and opportunities. Dealmakers were up against a mix of pressures like inflation, complex regulations and geopolitical uncertainties. Yet, even in the face of so many hurdles, certain sectors like energy and technology continued to gain momentum.

Each year, SS&C Intralinks surveys dealmakers across the globe to get a sense of where the market is headed in the year ahead. The 2025 SS&C Intralinks Dealmakers Sentiment Report, created with Reuters, offers up an inside perspective on what dealmakers have on their minds and in their plans. With inflation easing, regulatory obstacles shifting and the U.S. presidential election concluded, optimism is building for dealmakers as they look toward a transformative year for M&A.

This blog explores key findings gathered from 368 global dealmakers surveyed and offers actionable insights on how they plan to capitalize on this year’s evolving mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape.

Confidence is growing

After multiple consecutive years of relatively muted deal activity, new levels of optimism are afoot with 87 percent of dealmakers responding that they expect M&A and financing activity to grow in 2025. While economic pressures persist, others like easing interest rates in some regions, the conclusion of the 2024 U.S. election and a stabilizing global economy are translating to higher expectations for the next twelve months.

The lackluster past few years have left plenty of dry powder available for private equity (PE), which survey respondents expect to lead the way with nearly half anticipating PE megadeals worth over USD 10 billion. This represents a significant shift from previous years’ survey responses and reflects a bold strategy to deploy capital into a highly competitive market.

Top deal sectors

Financial services and technology, media and telecom (TMT) are expected to lead the way once again in 2025, driven by their resilience and strong growth prospects. Financial services stand out for their stability and solid track record, while TMT continues to attract attention with innovations in AI and digital transformation. These sectors are key players that will continue to shape dealmaking this year. 

Technology takes center stage

Artificial intelligence (AI) is continuing to make an impact on dealmaking processes, with 49 percent of respondents expecting AI adoption to increase significantly in 2025. From streamlining due diligence to mitigating risks, adopting AI has become essential across the entire deal lifecycle for dealmakers who want to execute deals fast, efficiently and securely.

Virtual data rooms (VDRs) and AI-powered tools are also gaining traction, offering a boost in areas like cybersecurity and accelerating deal processes across the board. Early adopters are expected to gain a competitive edge while those lagging behind will have to hustle to catch up and maintain their relevance.

APAC expects big growth

94 percent of APAC dealmakers expect growth in the region, and nearly half predict significant increases. APAC’s strong propensity for innovation and adoption of emerging technologies like AI to streamline processes, enhance efficiency and capitalize on opportunities is fueling the region’s optimistic outlook.

What’s ahead?

While dealmakers are heading into 2025 with a mix of challenges and opportunities in play, the focus is shifting to high impact transactions and making the most of unspent capital. At the same time, they’ll need to navigate tighter regulations, rising competition and the growing demand for faster, more efficient deals.

To thrive in this evolving market, adopting technologies like AI will be key for streamlining deals and making smarter decisions. Staying flexible and ready to adapt to shifting priorities, like sustainability, will also be crucial. By embracing these changes, dealmakers can realize the potential they see in their optimistic sentiments toward 2025.

Gain more insights on what’s ahead for M&A in the new year by exploring the full survey results in the 2025 SS&C Intralinks Dealmakers Sentiment Report.