The Future of Dealmaking in EMEA: Key 2025 Trends

Dealmaking in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) is evolving as firms adapt to prolonged geopolitical uncertainty and shifting macroeconomic conditions. While deal activity showed resilience in 2024, transactions are taking longer, with fewer competitive auctions and a greater focus on one-on-one negotiations. Overall, firms in the region are preparing for a dynamic yet unpredictable year.

At SS&C Intralinks' “Future of Dealmaking: EMEA 2025” webinar, a panel of senior dealmakers explored the opportunities and challenges in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), initial public offerings (IPOs) and private equity.

Moderated by Mickael Matitia, senior vice president, SS&C Intralinks, the panel featured:

• Chris Davis, Head of M&A, Six Group
• Jens Krane, Head of M&A, Commerzbank
• Rouzbeh Fazlinejad, Managing Director, Houlihan Lokey (Dubai)

From regulatory shifts to artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, here are three key insights from the discussion.

1. Adapting amidst uncertainty

After traversing an uncertain 2024, dealmakers are finding creative solutions to adapt and push forward in 2025. While rate cuts and political clarity in key markets may help increase deal flow, persistent global uncertainty continues to impact decision-making.

Jens Krane added to this sentiment, stating, "Uncertainty is never good for M&A, and we are certainly living in uncertain times. However, there is hope that the environment improves."

Despite these challenges, dealmakers are finding ways to adapt, including:

• Strategic buyers continue to lead dealmaking, while private equity firms remain cautious.
• Bilateral negotiations are becoming more common as traditional auction processes decline.
• Potential regulatory shifts in the European Union (EU) and Middle East could impact transaction timelines.

2. AI is transforming M&A 

AI is playing an increasingly important role in dealmaking by helping firms streamline due diligence, enhance market research and optimize integration strategies. While it’s not a substitute for human expertise, it is significantly improving efficiency across key M&A processes.

Six Group’s Chris Davis confirmed this sentiment, asserting that "AI is helpful today from a perspective of data interpretation, consolidating information and extracting key insights. Not everyone wants to read through a 300-page SIM, so AI can help summarize documents efficiently. Similarly, AI is useful for screening companies, analyzing legal contracts and even assisting with data room searches."

As AI adoption accelerates, dealmakers are leveraging the technology across multiple areas of the M&A lifecycle:

• AI-driven due diligence is improving the speed and accuracy of document analysis.
• Custom AI tools are being deployed for deal sourcing and target identification.
• AI-powered knowledge management is helping firms consolidate industry intelligence.

3. Key sectors are driving M&A

While uncertainty remains, several key sectors are expected to drive M&A activity across EMEA. Industrial consolidation, energy investments and digital infrastructure remain at the forefront.

As Rouzbeh Fazlinejad explains, "We are expecting a very, very busy market going forward, particularly in Oil and Gas. There was a lot of underinvestment over the last few years, and now companies are actively pursuing opportunities. We anticipate large-cap deals alongside smaller asset transactions."

With deal flow expected to increase, here’s where dealmakers are focusing their strategies:

• Technology, Media and Telecom (TMT) remain a focal point for private equity investments.
• Industrial consolidation is driving strategic acquisitions across Central and Eastern Europe.
• The Energy sector, particularly Oil and Gas, is set for increased deal activity due to renewed investment cycles.

Looking ahead

As the dealmaking environment in EMEA shifts, firms are up against the challenges of regulatory changes and economic uncertainties. Yet, with AI’s efficiency enhancements and strategic buyers leading the way, this year also presents unique opportunities — especially for those willing to adapt and seek creative solutions.

Want to gain deeper insights into the trends driving M&A in 2025? Watch the full webinar for expert perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping dealmaking across the region.