CMS European M&A Outlook 2015

Executives cautious as M&A deal value rises but the number of deals decreases

• Deal value has risen by 17% for the first half of the year while the volume of deals for the first half of 2015 dropped by 14% compared to last year
• European M&A market remains attractive to foreign acquirers
• Respondents believe private equity is now the most available source of financing
• The TMC sector has overtaken Industrials and Chemicals as the most sought after this year

M&A deal value is at its highest level since 2007, but Europe's executives are adopting a more cautious outlook on European M&A, according to research carried out by the top 10 international law firm CMS, in partnership with Mergermarket.The report’s respondents comprise 230 key M&A stakeholders across all European geographies, including CEOs, finance directors, bankers, M&A heads, private equity investors and sector specialists. Each respondent gave their views on the areas for growth, economic and political pressures and key players in the M&A market producing a rounded macro- and microeconomic outlook for the next year.

The report’s respondents comprise 230 key M&A stakeholders across all European geographies, including CEOs, finance directors, bankers, M&A heads, private equity investors and sector specialists. Each respondent gave their views on the areas for growth, economic and political pressures and key players in the M&A market producing a rounded macro- and microeconomic outlook for the next year.