Carter Morse & Goodrich just returned from the AICA Annual Global Meeting in Chicago, IL, an incredible gathering of 50 global M&A professionals where we discussed the evolving state of the middle market and the forces shaping M&A in 2025 and beyond.
A few key takeaways:
- Confidence is down: A broad survey showed declining optimism in world economies, but…
- M&A activity is poised to rebound: While the first half of 2025 has been slow, the second half has signs of improvement. Middle-market private company sales remain resilient, driven by aging owners looking to exit, private equity dry powder, and strategic buyers hungry for growth.
- AI is no longer optional: The use of AI in M&A is accelerating: from identifying buyers to streamlining diligence and enhancing process efficiency. The M&A firms that don’t adapt risk falling behind.
- Globalization is evolving, not reversing: Anti-globalism isn’t new. Many countries are pursuing reshoring, tariffs are rising (and likely to stabilize at a “reasonable” level), and manufacturing dynamics continue to shift. We’re entering a new phase of globalization, not the end of it.
- Regulation is adapting: Expect continued shifts in areas like national security, cybersecurity, energy independence, and efforts to reduce regulatory barriers and burdens on business.
There were great insights and perspectives from around the world from experienced M&A professionals; and a renewed sense of purpose as we help clients navigate their ‘once in a lifetime’ transaction.
