M&A activity in Europe has slowed down in terms of value since 2018. In 2025, M&A deals in Europe totaled over**** trillion U.S. dollars. In terms of volume, the height of European M&A was seen in 2021, when over * deals took place. The largest ever M&A deal to take place in Europe was the 1999 acquisition of *** by **.
What purpose do mergers and acquisitions serve?
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are an important branch of corporate strategy which deal with the combining, 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. Acquiring new technologies and taking advantage of distressed or turnaround opportunities were leading motivations for acquisitions among European M&A stakeholders.
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Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA). (February 28, 2026). Value of merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions in Europe from 1985 to 2025 (in billion U.S. dollars) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved August 01, 2026, from /statistics/408938/value-of-european-merger-and-acquisition-deals/
Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA). "Value of merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions in Europe from 1985 to 2025 (in billion U.S. dollars)." Chart. February 28, 2026. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed August 01, 2026. /statistics/408938/value-of-european-merger-and-acquisition-deals/
Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA). (2026). Value of merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions in Europe from 1985 to 2025 (in billion U.S. dollars). ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: August 01, 2026. /statistics/408938/value-of-european-merger-and-acquisition-deals/
Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA). "Value of Merger and Acquisition (M&a) Transactions in Europe from 1985 to 2025 (in Billion U.S. Dollars)." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 28 Feb 2026, /statistics/408938/value-of-european-merger-and-acquisition-deals/
Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA), Value of merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions in Europe from 1985 to 2025 (in billion U.S. dollars) ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/408938/value-of-european-merger-and-acquisition-deals/ (last visited August 01, 2026)
Value of merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions in Europe from 1985 to 2025 (in billion U.S. dollars) [Graph], Institute for Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances (IMAA), February 28, 2026. [Online]. Available: /statistics/408938/value-of-european-merger-and-acquisition-deals/
