"Global deal values have topped $1 trillion in a third quarter for only the second time on record, according to data compiled by Bloomberg, thanks to transactions like Monday's roughly $55 billion take-private of video game maker Electronic Arts Inc. by a consortium including Silver Lake Management. It means values are now up 27% at around $3 trillion for the year-to-date and on course for their best finish since 2021."
"Bankers say the numbers exhibit a continuing release of pent-up demand for transformative M&A among corporate decision makers, who were stifled earlier this year as trade uncertainty emanating from the US roiled markets. But beyond headline-grabbing transactions, actual deal-flow has been flat - a sign that barriers linked to trade and geopolitics remain in place."
""Companies have wanted to be aggressive in M&A but the uncertainty and regulatory environment were real headwinds," said Tom Miles, global co-head of M&A at Morgan Stanley. "With those factors improved, they are ready to act.""
Global M&A values surged above $1 trillion in the third quarter for only the second time on record, lifting year-to-date totals about 27% to roughly $3 trillion and positioning the market for its strongest finish since 2021. Large, transformative transactions drove the increase while total deal-flow remained flat, indicating ongoing barriers from trade and geopolitics. Corporate decision makers released pent-up demand after earlier headwinds caused by US-driven trade uncertainty and regulatory pressures. Notable megadeals included Electronic Arts' ~$55 billion take-private, Union Pacific's agreement to acquire Norfolk Southern for over $80 billion including debt, and large cross-sector transactions in technology, communications, mining and consumer goods.
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