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Despite considerable economic and geopolitical uncertainty, 2025 recorded significant M&A activity, driven by stronger markets, improved financing conditions and a shifting strategic landscape influenced by expectations for artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological developments.

AI has become a major driver of deal activity and accounted for a substantial proportion of transactions in 2025. The wider technology sector also experienced notable growth. According to Bain, technology M&A activity increased by 77 percent in 2025, supported by major transactions involving AI-related assets, including Alphabet’s $32bn purchase of Wiz and Palo Alto Networks’ $25bn acquisition of CyberArk. Almost half of strategic technology deal value for transactions exceeding $500m came from AI native companies or from deals referencing AI-related benefits.

The outlook for merger activity remains positive. Private equity firms are expected to deploy record levels of dry powder, and corporates are likely to pursue large-scale transformation strategies as interest rates ease and regulatory clarity improves.

Against this backdrop, Financier Worldwide turns to some of the leading lights in their field, who share their stories…

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