Global M&A deal value surges 31% in 2025 as focus shifts to supply chain resilience

By Newsdesk

February 06 2026
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In a significant upswing, global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals reached an impressive $3 trillion in 2025, marking a 31% increase from the previous year. This surge was largely driven by a steady decline in interest rates and the impact of US tariffs on global supply chains, according to GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform. The year saw a notable emphasis on supply chain resilience, with $184 billion in supply chain-related transactions across 21 deals spanning sectors such as industrials, consumer, and materials.

Global M&A deal value surges 31% in 2025 as focus shifts to supply chain resilience

GlobalData’s latest report, “Global M&A Deals in 2025 – Top Themes by Sector: Strategic Intelligence,” highlights that the combined value of mega-deals, defined as transactions valued at $1 billion or more, rose by 34% to $2.4 trillion, up from $1.8 trillion in 2024. This indicates a robust appetite for large-scale acquisitions, as companies seek to bolster their supply chain capabilities amid a challenging global trade environment.

Priya Toppo, Strategic Intelligence Analyst at GlobalData, elaborated on the factors driving the focus on supply chain-related M&A deals. “Rising geopolitical tensions, especially in terms of tariffs, shifting demographics, heightened ESG regulations, ongoing labour shortages, and accelerated digital transformation have all further intensified the focus on supply chain-related M&A deals,” she commented. “Companies are increasingly prioritising resilient, localised, and technology-driven supply chains to mitigate risks and enhance operational efficiency. This was especially true in the consumer, industrials, materials, and healthcare sectors.”

The year’s most significant supply chain deal was the merger of Essential Utilities with American Water Works, valued at $30.1 billion. This was closely followed by Sycamore Partners’ acquisition of Walgreens Boots Alliance for $23.7 billion and Keurig Dr Pepper's acquisition of JDE Peet’s for $23.1 billion. These substantial transactions underscore the strategic importance of supply chain integration in today's business landscape.

Toppo further noted the regional dynamics of M&A activity, stating, “An ongoing trend is the dominance of North America in M&A deal activity, accounting for 11,403 deals worth $1.9 trillion in 2025. However, Europe and APAC (excluding China), saw a YoY decline in deal value.” This highlights a shift in the global M&A landscape, with North America taking the lead while other regions face headwinds.

The strategic focus on supply chain resilience is not without reason. As geopolitical tensions and trade barriers continue to pose challenges, companies are seeking to secure their operations against potential disruptions. This has led to a wave of M&A activity aimed at strengthening supply chain networks through vertical integration and technological enhancement.

Looking ahead, Toppo offered insights into the M&A outlook for 2026. “The M&A outlook for 2026 is cautiously optimistic, fueled by potential interest rate cuts and the need to adjust to the new tariff landscape,” she said. However, she also cautioned that large deals may still face challenges in the US due to ongoing regulatory scrutiny. This suggests that while the appetite for mergers remains strong, companies must navigate a complex regulatory environment to achieve their strategic objectives.

The report by GlobalData underscores the evolving priorities of businesses in a rapidly changing global economy. As companies grapple with the dual challenges of geopolitical uncertainty and technological disruption, M&A activity is increasingly focused on creating resilient and efficient supply chains. This trend is likely to shape the future of global business, as organisations strive to remain competitive in an interconnected world.

Overall, the surge in M&A deal value in 2025 reflects a strategic shift towards supply chain resilience, driven by a confluence of economic, geopolitical, and technological factors. As companies continue to adapt to these changes, the role of mergers and acquisitions in shaping corporate strategy is set to become even more pronounced.

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