M&A activity in Europe fell in 2020 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Approximately fewer deals were closed in 2020 when compared with 2019. The peak of European M&A activity was reached in 2021 when over * deals were closed. The largest-ever M&A deal in Europe was the 1999 acquisition of Mannesmann AG by Vodafone AirTouch.
What benefits can M&A bring to buyers?
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are an important branch of corporate strategy which deal with the combining, or buying and selling of companies with the aim of helping to promote the growth of the enterprise in its sector. The combining of two companies can boost financial power, market share and business activity, allowing the newly formed company to further develop and expand within its sector and territory. Distressed or turnaround opportunities were cited as primary acquisition motivations for private equity firms in Europe.
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Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA). (February 28, 2026). Number of merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions in Europe from 1985 to 2025 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved August 05, 2026, from /statistics/1113305/number-of-european-merger-and-acquisition-deals/
Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA). "Number of merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions in Europe from 1985 to 2025." Chart. February 28, 2026. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed August 05, 2026. /statistics/1113305/number-of-european-merger-and-acquisition-deals/
Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA). (2026). Number of merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions in Europe from 1985 to 2025. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: August 05, 2026. /statistics/1113305/number-of-european-merger-and-acquisition-deals/
Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA). "Number of Merger and Acquisition (M&a) Transactions in Europe from 1985 to 2025." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 28 Feb 2026, /statistics/1113305/number-of-european-merger-and-acquisition-deals/
Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA), Number of merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions in Europe from 1985 to 2025 ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1113305/number-of-european-merger-and-acquisition-deals/ (last visited August 05, 2026)
Number of merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions in Europe from 1985 to 2025 [Graph], Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA), February 28, 2026. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1113305/number-of-european-merger-and-acquisition-deals/
