Global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have hit $2.6 trillion in the first seven months of 2025 — the highest level since the pandemic-era peak of 2021 — as companies prioritize growth and capitalize on opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI). Despite a 16% drop in the number of transactions compared to last year, total deal value rose 28%, fueled by large-scale U.S. transactions exceeding $10 billion.
Key deals include Union Pacific Corp’s proposed $85 billion takeover of Norfolk Southern and OpenAI’s $40 billion funding round led by SoftBank. These transactions mark a shift from early-year hesitation caused by U.S. tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty, as renewed boardroom confidence and a clearer regulatory environment spur activity.
Industry experts say the M&A landscape is now heavily growth-oriented, with AI adoption and regulatory changes prompting companies to move quickly to avoid falling behind. Compared to August 2021’s $3.57 trillion, current activity is still down 27%, but bankers expect more large deals in the second half of 2025 as executives adapt to market volatility and post-election policy direction.
Healthcare dominated post-pandemic dealmaking, but over the past two years, technology and electronics have taken the lead. AI-driven needs, such as data center infrastructure and cybersecurity, are major drivers — highlighted by Samsung’s $1.7 billion purchase of FlaktGroup and Palo Alto Networks’ $25 billion acquisition of CyberArk. Private equity has also re-entered the market, with major bids like Sycamore Partners’ $10 billion move to take Walgreens Boots Alliance private and competing offers from KKR and Advent for UK firm Spectris.
The U.S. remains the world’s largest M&A market, representing more than half of global deals, while Asia Pacific’s activity doubled from last year, surpassing the pace of EMEA growth.