Joe Mantone, U.S. Financial Institutions News Desk Manager at S&P Global Market Intelligence (NYSE: SPGI)

The M&A market isn’t what it used to be. Deal volumes are rising, but they remain a shadow of the record highs of 2021. Add to this the challenges of regulatory hurdles, high interest rates, and uneven global recovery. Corporate development leaders are left asking: where do we go from here?

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Joe Mantone of S&P Global Market Intelligence unpacks the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the M&A cycle. You’ll learn the latest insights to stay ahead in a volatile market and prepare for the opportunities 2025 promises to bring.

Things you will learn:

The state of M&A, recovering from the 2022 downturn
How regulatory challenges are reshaping deal strategies
What corporate leaders need to know about private equity and credit trends
The rise of AI and sector-specific opportunities for 2025
Actionable advice for corporate development teams in a volatile market

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This episode is sponsored by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Find insight at every data point with the enhanced S&P Capital IQ Pro platform. It’s the leading data solution for strategics and investors alike. Visit spglobal.com/proinsights.

DealRoom AI also sponsors this episode. DealRoom AI accelerates the due diligence process by automating the extraction and analysis of key information from M&A documents, reducing contract analysis time by up to 80%. Trusted by leading M&A practitioners, this tool streamlines reviews, minimizes risk, and saves legal costs significantly. For more details, visit the DealRoom AI page today.

******************* Episode Timestamps

00:00 Intro
06:03 Current state of the M&A market
07:45 Distinguishing the current M&A downturn
08:51 Factors driving global M&A
10:14 M&A blindspots to lookout for
12:38 How Fed rate cuts will affect M&A
13:38 Financing M&A deals in a changing market
15:22 Investor sentiment and the future of IPOs
16:17 Impact of market volatility on corporate M&A
17:12 Cross-border M&A: Lessons from Asia Pacific and Europe M&A Activity
20:19 How to prepare for the heightened regulatory scrutiny
21:43 Strategies for mitigating regulatory risks
22:24 M&A insights from earnings calls
23:53 Increased investment banking recruiting
24:48 Practical takeaways for corporate M&A teams
25:40 The future of M&A: Trends to watch in 2025
28:13 Emerging sectors for 2025
29:55 Craziest thing in M&A

Navigating the Current M&A Cycle, Regulatory Impacts, and 2025 Market Dynamics for Corporate Development Leaders