Eversheds Sutherland secures top 10 global rankings in LSEG full year M&A league tables

According to the LSEG report, worldwide M&A activity surged to US$4.6tn in 2025 – a 49% increase year-on-year and the highest annual total since 2021. Despite a modest decline in the number of deals, the market saw a significant uptick in large-cap transactions and cross-border activity, with technology, industrials, and financials leading sector growth. 

2025 proved an extraordinary year for Eversheds Sutherland’s M&A practice, with record-breaking deal value and volume surpassing $110bn in transactions across more than 800 deals globally. 

Antony Walsh, Partner and International Head of Corporate, Eversheds Sutherland, commented:

“We’re pleased to see results that reflect collective hard work – the rankings are a clear validation of the strength and sophistication of our global M&A platform and its ability to transact at scale. Securing 7thposition globally for completed deals, and 7th for announced deals, is a testament to our seamless execution of complex matters, and the depth of our client relationships. This achievement reflects our sustained investment in top tier talent, and our commitment to blending partner-led advice with cutting-edge technology to meet our clients’ needs – an approach that has enabled us to deliver a record number of deals.”

Bob Copps, Partner, Co-Head of Global Corporate and US Corporate Practice Group Leader at Eversheds Sutherland, commented:

"We’re proud to once again be recognized in LSEG’s Global Mergers & Acquisitions Legal Advisors Review. Our consistent position in the Top 10 underscores the trust our clients place in us and the strength and quality of our global platform – bringing deep transactional experience, cross-border insight, and effective coordination across jurisdictions. This combination enables us to help clients navigate complex matters, even as market conditions and regulatory considerations continue to evolve."

Looking ahead, Walsh shared his insights on potential deal activity trends for the coming year:

“Larger cap transactions dominated 2025, and that trend will continue into 2026. We also expect deal volumes to rebound alongside those higher values, particularly in the second half of the year. Private equity is poised for a resurgence in primary buyouts, and international carve-outs will remain a defining theme. The positives we’ve seen in the US and UK in 2025 will emanate into Europe and beyond in 2026. For us, these rankings aren’t just a headline; they’re a springboard for what promises to be a strong year for global M&A.”

Notable 2025 transactions for Eversheds Sutherland include advising Parker-Hannifin Corporation as European legal counsel on its US$9.25bn acquisition of Filtration Group Corporation and its US$1bn acquisition of Curtis Instruments from Rehlko, Meta Platforms, Inc. on leasing matters tied to its joint venture with funds managed by Blue Owl Capital to develop the Hyperion data center campus in the United States, global logistics leader JAS on its acquisition of Pentagon Holdings Limited, and Corpay, Inc. on an approx. $550mn investment in AvidXchange Holdings as part of a transaction to take the company private.