The more stable macroeconomic climate and lower interest rates are expected to lead to an improvement in M&A activity in the region for 2025. The Spanish M&A market experienced significant growth in 2024, with an 8% increase in the total number of transactions and a cumulative value of €95.971 billion, according to recent data, and it is projected to continue on this growth path, with a similar positive trend expected across the border in Portugal.  Players looking to capitalise on valuation gaps and market alignment will be driving deal activity across various sectors, with technology, real estate, consumers’ goods, defence and infra leading the way. Our panel will address how the market is moving on from the recent "wait-and-see" mode and how it plans to maintain a positive deal flow for the remainer of the year.

• How will investors navigate the changing landscape to maximise value in their investments in the year ahead? 
• Impact of technology on investments and M&A practices: Innovation, AI (including tokenization) and enhanced due diligence. Will they influence investment strategies and deal structures? How? 
• Impact of governmental interventions on deal activity in the region
• Will digital and green energy continue to drive deal flow? Further sectors’ watch: Growing investments in agrifood and agritech, education, real estate (including flex living), sports and a renewed interest in defence