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ARTICLE · 24 FEBRUARY 2026

Inbound Activity: M&A Review 2025

William Fry LLP
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William Fry LLP

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There were 309 inbound deals for Irish companies last year, worth a combined €14bn – that was up 9% by number of transactions on the prior year, but down 47% in total value...

IrelandCorporate/Commercial Law
Gavin O'Flaherty
Gavin O'Flaherty
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Irish businesses continue to attract strong international interest.

There were 309 inbound deals for Irish companies last year, worth a combined €14bn – that was up 9% by number of transactions on the prior year, but down 47% in total value, as international investors seemed to focus on mid-market opportunities rather than large, transformational acquisitions. Inbound transactions accounted for 59% of total deal volume and 72% of aggregate value in the market in 2025. Of the 20 largest deals announced, 15 involved an international acquirer; that included seven of the top 10 transactions.

As with previous years, UK and US based bidders were the most active international investors in Irish companies last year, accounting for more than two-thirds of inbound transactions by volume. In value terms, however, France was the most important player; French acquirers carried out 13 deals in Ireland last year including the largest transaction of all, Ardian's deal

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