The latest CMS Outlook, produced in cooperation with Mergermarket, paints a picture of caution but also opportunity.
Key findings for the European market:
- 85% of respondents are planning transactions within the next 12 months – primarily on the buy-side
- Deal volume in H1 2025: 7,888 (–15% compared to H1 2024)
- Total deal value in H1 2025: EUR 474bn (+5% YoY)
- Biggest challenges: financing (34%), valuation gaps (30%), and geopolitical risks (26%)
- Regions with the highest growth expectations: Benelux, UK&I, Austria and Switzerland
Access the full CMS European M&A Outlook 2026 here
Contacts:
- Kircsi Anikó - aniko.kircsi [at] cms-cmno.com
- Török Eszter - eszter.torok [at] cms-cmno.com
- Andreas Köhler - andreas.koehler [at] cmslegal.com