M&A outlook 2020

The global M&A market continues to be resilient in the face of geopolitical volatility and widespread economic uncertainty. In 2020, M&A activity should continue apace, driven by a range of factors including the development of legislation, the impact of new technologies, and access to new markets.

Private equity’s appetite for deal making remains high after another strong year, and the attractiveness of take-privates continues as investors hunt investment opportunities.  

Disruptive technology will continue to drive M&A as companies seek to acquire new capabilities to take advantage of new opportunities or to defend against new market entrants.

Companies will also seek to transform their portfolios and increase market penetration in fast-growing sectors, such as natural resources and FinTech, and in fast growing markets, including those in Asia and Africa.

Cross-border M&A remains strong and new foreign direct investment legislation in key jurisdictions such as the UAE and China may give further impetus to international deal making. 

Find out more about the legal and regulatory developments shaping M&A around the world as we look at some of these factors in more detail through a series of articles published below.