Irish dealmakers optimistic about M&A market in 2025 [Video]

Irish M&A executives are optimistic that the volume of deal-making will increase in 2025, both in Ireland and abroad.

A KPMG survey of more than 150 Irish M&A execs shows respondents overwhelmingly anticipate that deal volumes will either increase or remain broadly stable in the coming year.

Some 84% plan to pursue mergers and acquisitions in 2025, up from 78% last year, and nine in 10 (90%) foresee stable or rising valuations in a shift from previous forecasts of downward pricing pressure.

Almost half of respondents predicted private equity buyers to be more likely to transact than strategic buyers in what is a significant shift in sentiment versus the past five years.

The responses also suggest that the market will marginally continue to be a buyer’s market, and the growing number of neutral responses indicate that the valuation gaps seen in recent years are expected to narrow.

Furthermore, 80% of M&A leaders describe financing as either “readily available” …