Mena M&A deals jump 23% to $69.1bn by 2025 as UAE and Saudi Lead Record Cross-Border Forport
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in the Central and North Africa (Mena) region closed 23 percent in the first nine months of 2025, according to the latest Elma M&I Insight 9M 2025 Report.
The GCC continued to dominate the region’s deals with 500 deals valued at $65.9bn, supported by strong investor sentiment, a strengthening economic outlook, and a surge in cross-border investment.
Cross-border transactions remain an important growth engine, accounting for 54 percent, 76 percent of the volume and 76 percent of the total price – the highest level in five years.
Mena m & work
Brad Watson, EY MANSA strategy leader, said: “The Mena M & A market continues to show strength this year. The increase in cross-border activity reflects the increasing productivity of companies and Portfolio Diversification.
“At the same time, the transition to medium-sized transactions reflects the strategic focus on high-growth, new sectors driven to support long-term economic development in line with the goals of economic diversification.”
The UAE recorded the largest M&A Year to date – Acquisition of Omv and BORAALIS of 64 Pent Stake in Borouge for $ 16.5bn.
This was followed by the oil company Abu Dhabi National Oil (ADNOC) Obtaining a 46.9.94% stake in Nova chemicals for $ 6.3bn – One of the largest petrochemical transactions.
The largest deal was the $3.5BN’s Purchase of Peruvian Fuel Distriburm Pridlura, underscoring the growing financial focus of the countries of Saudi Arabia.
Inbound and Outbound styles
Outbound deals accounted for the largest share of M&A Value, with 189 deals worth $28.5bn being distributed.
- Canada pulled in the highest amount of outflows at $7.1bn
- THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT has led to an exit market
Inward investment is also being strengthened, with 160 inward deals worth $23.8bn – up 25 per cent to 34 per cent in value year-on-year. Austria emerged as the top investor, contributing 69 percent of the domestic value, mainly due to the discovery of borouge.
The UAE is a destination of choice for investors
The UAE maintained its position as the region’s top investment destination, recording 171 inward deals worth $29bn. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are among the most active contributors, sharing 85 percent of the total possible amount of money.
Anil Menon, EY Mena Head of M & A and Equity Capital Market Leader, said: “The economic recovery of Mena, the expansion of digital policy support and the support of strategic policy to attract foreign investors in the nine months of this year.
“The UAE maintained strong inward foreign investment, driven by its stable policies and friendly currencies. We expect the UAE & KSA to remain one of the most attractive deal markets in the world.”
FREE TO CUT TOO MUCH
Chemicals ($ 23.9bn) and technology ($ 12.2bn) Secors lead the region m & value, supported by increased investment in innovation and industrial reforms.
DOFYISID M & A rose, contributing 46 percent of the total value of all 300 deals worth $ 16.8bn, mainly in technology, health and financial services.
Socurign Wealf Funds (SWFS) continued to play a prominent role in M&A transactions for 22 months in the first nine months of 2025, including 17 outgoing deals.
Investments focused on technology, consumer products, and professional services, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia maintaining their dominance as investment platforms.
Mena’s government-related enterprises (Gres) also drove outbound activity, completing 39 deals worth 66 percent of the GRE Transaction Value – including 22 deals based in the UAE – highlighting deals invested in the kingdom in shaping regionalization strategies.
Regional participation
Across the GCC, Egypt and Kuwait are ranked among the top five target countries and two countries, while Oman and Qatar are also highly represented in that list, showing the production of the M & A Footprint in MEAGANI ALL MENA.
