In 2025, Gadens’ Corporate team advised on over 50 M&A transactions totalling more than AUD3.8b. This marked an increase on 2024 and reflects the breadth of our involvement across the Australian M&A market throughout the year.
In this year’s edition of our Australian M&A review, we examine the key trends and developments that shaped M&A activity in Australia over 2025 and consider what these may mean for the year ahead. The review draws on transaction data and our own deal experience to provide context on market conditions, sector activity and evolving deal dynamics.
From cross‑border transactions and contested processes to complex regulatory approvals, the review highlights how deals were structured and executed in practice during 2025.
The publication also includes practical insights from our partners on legal, regulatory and execution issues that are becoming increasingly central to dealmaking in Australia, including merger control, foreign investment and transaction structuring.
We hope you find the 2025 edition of our Australian M&A review informative and valuable. The full publication is available below.
Download the 2025 Australian M&A review
Sneak peak - outlook for 2026
We expect M&A activity in the Australian mid-market to remain steady through 2026, supported by the continued deployment of private capital and a more settled interest rate environment. While pricing discipline is likely to remain, improved confidence should support a broader pipeline of transactions where strategic rationale and execution certainty are clear.
Published
26 February 2026This update does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. It is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on matters of interest and it is not intended to be comprehensive. You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.