Prime Highlights
- Merger and acquisition activity across the Middle East and North Africa surged 15% in 2025, reaching $106.1 billion.
- Cross-border deals drove growth, with inbound and outbound transactions rising sharply and accounting for a majority of deal value.
Key Facts
- The Gulf Cooperation Council led the region with 685 deals valued at $102.1 billion, supported by government backing and foreign investment.
- Major deals included Austria’s OMV acquiring a 64% stake in Borouge for $16.5 billion and Emirates NBD’s $4.4 billion banking transaction with RBL Bank.
Background
Merger and acquisition activity across the Middle East and North Africa rose to $106.1 billion in 2025, a 15 percent increase from the previous year, according to a report by EY. Deal volume also climbed sharply, with 884 transactions recorded, up 26 percent year on year.
The Gulf Cooperation Council led the surge, accounting for 685 deals valued at $102.1 billion. The report said strong government backing, economic diversification plans and steady foreign investment supported the market despite global uncertainty.
Cross-border transactions remained the main growth driver. They represented 54 percent of total deal volume and 61 percent of overall value. Inbound deals rose 37 percent to 223 transactions, while their value more than doubled to $25.4 billion. Austria emerged as the largest inbound investor by value.
Outbound deals grew 29 percent to 256 transactions worth $39.2 billion. Canada received the most money at $7.1 billion, while the United States got the most deals.
Sovereign wealth funds like the Public Investment Fund, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and Mubadala Investment Company drove much of the activity.
In the biggest deals, Austria’s OMV bought a 64 percent stake in Borouge for $16.5 billion. Other major deals included Modon Holding and 2PointZero, making acquisitions in the UAE.
Domestic transactions reached 405 deals valued at $41.6 billion, led by the technology and consumer sectors. Banking activity included Emirates NBD’s $4.4 billion deal with RBL Bank.
EY said resilient growth and strategic investments will continue to support M&A momentum in the region.
