BDO Horizons is a publication focusing on global M&A trends in the SME sector, with the aim of providing expert insights and forecasts on the M&A market and its evolution. The quarterly publication provides an overview of the M&A landscape in different geographic regions. In this publication, BDO's M&A experts from around the world look at the global M&A market in addition to the following sectors: natural resources, building products, packaging and materials, and real estate.
Themes of the latest publication
Although global M&A activity fell by around 20% in Q3 2024 compared to Q2, the number of transactions was still higher than before the COVID era. Despite the recent decline, the market is showing positive signs of upside and we expect private equity investors to continue to actively invest, supported by falling interest rates, among other factors. It could also be a good time for strategic buyers to return to the market and take advantage of some of the cash they hold.
We expect global megatrends such as digitalisation and decarbonisation to be key drivers for M&A activity. We expect activity to pick up as geopolitical uncertainties are resolved.