Data analysis

This year’s European M&A Awards shortlist combines Mergermarket’s league table data with editorial insight, placing emphasis on regional trends to spotlight the firms making the greatest impact across Europe.

The analysis considers both transaction value (GBP equivalent) and volume (deal count) in equal measure - meaning that even if your transactions have undisclosed values, every deal counts.

The review period covers deals announced between 1 Oct 2024 - Sept 2025. Our proprietary method ensures locally headquartered advisors are well-represented in their domestic categories.

Shortlist announced

When the analysis is complete, we announce a shortlist. Only firms that appear on the shortlist are eligible to enter Mergermarket's European M&A Awards.

Contact jennifer.ghoni@iongroup.com for further information.

Send a pitch by 14 October

Shortlisted firms are invited to write a 300-word pitch. This is reviewed by a panel of M&A veterans alongside our data to determine the winners.

Judges are looking for the story behind the data: value-adding advisory work, creative solutions to complex deals, and examples of how you got the deal across the line. Find tips for pitching here.

Judging

In October, our judges - from investment banking, private equity, financial advisory, legal advisory, academia and journalism - review all the pitches and data to select the winners.

Awards announcement on 4 December

The top dealmakers from across the region will be announced on 4 December 2025 at the Mergermarket European M&A Awards in the Natural History Museum, London.