Macro Bites: Signals show steady boost in 2025 M&A deal activity

February 10, 2025

Based on economic and market indicators, our M&A outlook forecasts a steady boost in deal activity in 2025 – but what should companies consider when preparing for dealmaking? EY-Parthenon Chief Economist Gregory Daco and Elizabeth Kaske, EY Americas Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Leader, discuss the deal outlook, restraints on M&A activity, potential risks, stress testing, offensive and defensive M&A, and hot industry sectors.

Key takeaways

  • Per the EY-Parthenon Corporate Development Survey, businesses that have structured integration processes in place are about 50% more likely to have successful deals.
  • Using an M&A stress test is like hurricane-proofing a house, allowing businesses to objectively assess readiness for transactions.
  • We anticipate that the technology, energy and healthcare sectors will lead the way on the dealmaking front.

Host and featured guest

gregory daco

Gregory Daco
EY-Parthenon Chief Economist, Strategy and Transactions, Ernst & Young LLP

Elizabeth Kaske

Elizabeth Kaske
EY Americas Strategy and Transactions Buy & Integrate Leader

How EY-Parthenon can help

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