Digital transformation and innovation emerges as top deal drivers in Southeast Asia, making it a major motivator for M&A deals.
According to Norton Rose Fulbright's Global M&A trends and risks report, which is in collaboration with Mergermarket, the findings reflect the efforts to acquire new technologies and modernise businesses.
In Southeast Asia, local private equity firms are particularly eager to deploy funds in mid-market deals. Respondents from the region also expect to see a significant expansion of private credit, with the increasing number of private credit providers being a key driver.
Local buyers dominate in emerging Asian markets, as respondents from Southeast Asia look forward to be led by domestic strategic acquirers and domestic private equity funds.
Meanwhile, concerning trade uncertainties, the report finds that Asian dealmakers are adapting rather than retreating from deals, as 28% of Asia-based respondents actually increased their appetite for M&A in response to the turbulence.
