Expert insights: Navigating today’s M&A market dynamics

Senior M&A practitioners share insights on the themes influencing dealmaking today

1. M&A environment

Prevailing M&A environment

A perspective on current deal momentum - why selectivity matters, where financing remains available, and which sectors continue to attract demand in a more uncertain market environment.

Jeff Hinton, Global Co-Head of Corporate & Sponsor Advisory

2. Capital, strategy and AI

Capital, strategy and AI

Insights on capital moving beyond the US, the growing role of spin‑offs and how AI is changing market perceptions, valuation frameworks and strategic M&A choices.

James Arnold, Global Co-Head of Strategic Insights & Advisory

3. Corporate separations

Unlocking value through corporate separations

An explanation on why corporate separations remain a powerful tool to unlock value, enhance strategic clarity and increase financial flexibility - while also highlighting the costs, risks and trade‑offs boards need to consider.

Philipp Beck, EMEA Head of M&A

4. Deal certainty

Deal certainty

A deep dive into why deal certainty has become a defining factor in transactions, and how buyer selection, financing readiness, regulatory planning and timing optionality influence successful outcomes.

Nestor Paz‑Galindo, Global Co-Head of Corporate & Sponsor Advisory, and Co-Head of EMEA OneUBS

5. Mega deals

Managing mega-deals across borders

An examination of why mega‑deals demand a different mindset - highlighting the heightened scrutiny, execution risk and people considerations that boards must manage, particularly in complex cross‑border transactions.

Scott Lindsay, Global Chairman of M&A​ 

6. Transacting with Asia

Transacting with Asia

An overview of how geopolitics and market dynamics are reshaping Asia‑related M&A, driving more flexible deal structures and influencing what European companies need to demonstrate to attract Asian capital.

Samson Lo, APAC Co‑Head of M&A​

M&A Summit DACH region

The annual M&A Summit DACH region brings together leading dealmakers, investors, and executives from across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for a focused two-day exchange. It serves as a platform to share insights, explore opportunities, and stay ahead of evolving market trends.

Covering the full M&A lifecycle, the summit equips leaders with the perspectives and connections needed to make informed decisions and drive sustainable growth in a complex environment.

2026 highlights:

Focus topics:

  • Today’s deal environment
  • Role of alternative capital
  • Cross-border M&A with focus on Asia
  • Impact of AI on capital allocation

2025 highlights:

Focus topics:

  • Corporate strategy and supply chain positioning
  • Active portfolio management
  • Economic uncertainty
  • Strategic acquisitions

More to discover: Broadening the M&A landscape

Strategic Insights and Advisory

UBS Strategic Insights and Advisory uses proprietary data and analytics to deliver unique market perspectives – combining fundamentals, narrative, and ownership insights to help companies navigate what’s next.

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Co-published with the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance, this report explores whether activist board appointments boost shareholder returns or increase the likelihood of a sale - compared with independent directors. 

Farmland field with blue sky

M&A Market Perspectives and Outlook

After two challenging years, M&A rebounded strongly in 2024. Despite macro and geopolitical headwinds, UBS Global Banking expects momentum to continue into 2025 and beyond.

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