Global M&A surpasses $4 trillion in 2025
Preliminary LSEG data show global mergers and acquisitions reached about $4.39 trillion in value through Dec. 18, 2025, the third time ever dealmaking has topped $4 trillion, even as the number of deals fell to a nine‑year low. The U.S. mirrored the pattern with $2.23 trillion of transactions across roughly 11,300 deals, up 54% in value but down 14% in count from 2024, amid falling interest rates, strong AI‑driven activity and lighter U.S. regulatory headwinds. Recent transactions, including SoftBank’s $4 billion purchase of DigitalBridge, Stonepeak’s $6 billion Castrol stake buy and ServiceNow’s $7.75 billion Armis deal, are expected to push final totals slightly higher.
📌 Key Facts
- Global M&A value reached around $4.39 trillion through Dec. 18, 2025, up 45% from 2024 and only the third year above $4 trillion.
- U.S. dealmaking totaled approximately $2.23 trillion across about 11,300 deals, a 54% increase in value but a 14% drop in deal count versus 2024.
- Recent large deals include SoftBank agreeing to buy DigitalBridge for $4 billion, Stonepeak paying $6 billion for a majority stake in Castrol, and ServiceNow striking a $7.75 billion deal for Armis.
📊 Relevant Data
The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate multiple times in 2025, lowering the federal funds rate from 4.33% in July to a range of 3.50%-3.75% by December.
United States Fed Funds Interest Rate - Trading Economics — Trading Economics
More than 50% of global venture capital funding in 2025 was directed to AI companies, driving significant M&A activity in the sector.
AI Deals in 2025: Key Trends in M&A, Private Equity, and Venture Capital — Morgan Lewis
U.S. M&A activity in 2025 benefited from policy shifts under a more business-friendly administration, reducing regulatory headwinds such as antitrust scrutiny and enabling big-ticket transactions.
U.S. M&A rises as policy shifts drive oil and gas dealmaking — A&O Shearman