Mergers and acquisitions activity across the Middle East and North Africa grew substantially last year versus 2024 – both in terms of value and number of deals –Mergers and acquisitions activity across the Middle East and North Africa grew substantially last year versus 2024 – both in terms of value and number of deals –

Abu Dhabi asset reshuffles swell Mena mergers

2026/02/11 22:30
3 min read
  • 884 deals in 2025, up from 701
  • Total value rises 15% to $106bn
  • Largest deals involved Abu Dhabi entities

Mergers and acquisitions activity across the Middle East and North Africa grew substantially last year versus 2024 – both in terms of value and number of deals – although asset reshuffling by Abu Dhabi government-owned institutions inflated the annual figures.

There were 884 deals in Mena in 2025, compared with 701 in 2024, while the combined transaction value rose 15 percent to $106 billion over the same period, according to a report by consultant EY-Parthenon.

Cross-border deals comprised 54 percent of the deal volume and 61 percent of deal value, the report states.

This activity demonstrates “the increasing appetite of companies for international expansion and diversification”, said Brad Watson, managing partner of EY-Parthenon Mena.

“Governments continued to invest steadily, supported by robust economic growth, low public debt, sovereign wealth fund backing and broader economic diversification initiatives. Rising foreign direct investment added further momentum.”

The region’s three largest deals involved companies ultimately owned by Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (Adnoc) and Austria’s OMV, owners of 25 percent and 75 percent respectively of petrochemical manufacturer Borealis, agreed a complicated deal to merge Borealis with Borouge, an Abu Dhabi-based company in which Adnoc owns 54 percent and Borealis 36 percent.

The co-investors will also buy Canada’s Nova Chemicals Corp for $13.4 billion to create Borouge Group International.

Last October Abu Dhabi-owned International Holding Company (IHC) sold a 43 percent stake in real estate developer Modon Holding to L’imad Holding, another Abu Dhabi government entity.

IHC’s $7.7 billion merger of three of its subsidiaries – 2PointZero, Multiply Group and Ghitha Holding – was the region’s third largest deal of 2025. These asset reshuffles swelled the aggregate regional deal value.

In terms of target nations for M&A, the UAE and Saudi Arabia were the location of 59 percent of regional deals, EY estimates. Most of this investment went into technology companies and professional services businesses.

The UAE “remained the preferred destination for foreign investors, supported by expanding trade volumes, resilient domestic demand and sustained economic diversification efforts”, EY wrote.

Further reading:

  • M&A deals in Turkey double to $12bn in 2025
  • UAE emerges as a force in global media mergers
  • Dutch court blocks vote on contested OCI-Orascom deal

Outbound M&A spanned 256 deals, up 29 percent year on year. The combined value of these transactions was $39 billion, of which 14 percent were in the banking and capital markets sector.

More broadly, the increase in Mena M&A activity came despite “regional political unrest, significant global trade policy uncertainties and a once-in-a-generation tech transformation led by AI”, said Anil Menon, Head of M&A and Equity Capital Markets at EY-Parthenon Mena.

“These are times of significant shift in fundamental value of assets and we expect M&A to be deployed surgically by corporates and sovereign wealth funds to drive enduring competitive advantage.”

Market Opportunity
Swell Network Logo
Swell Network Price(SWELL)
$0,001419
$0,001419$0,001419
+10,94%
USD
Swell Network (SWELL) Live Price Chart
Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact service@support.mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

First Multi-Asset Crypto ETP Opens Door to Institutional Adoption

First Multi-Asset Crypto ETP Opens Door to Institutional Adoption

The post First Multi-Asset Crypto ETP Opens Door to Institutional Adoption appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially approved the Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund (GDLC) for trading on the stock exchange. The decision comes as the SEC also relaxes ETF listing standards. This approval provides easier access for traditional investors and signals a major regulatory shift, paving the way for institutional capital to flow into the crypto market. Grayscale Races to Launch the First Multi-Asset Crypto ETP According to Grayscale CEO Peter Mintzberg, the Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund ($GDLC) and the Generic Listing Standards have just been approved for trading. Sponsored Sponsored Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund $GDLC was just approved for trading along with the Generic Listing Standards. The Grayscale team is working expeditiously to bring the FIRST multi #crypto asset ETP to market with Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano#BTC #ETH $XRP $SOL… — Peter Mintzberg (@PeterMintzberg) September 17, 2025 The Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund (GDLC) is the first multi-asset crypto Exchange-Traded Product (ETP). It includes Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA). As of September, the portfolio allocation was 72.23%, 12.17%, 5.62%, 4.03%, and 1% respectively. Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund (GDLC) Portfolio Allocation. Source: Grayscale Grayscale Investments launched GDLC in 2018. The fund’s primary goal is to expose investors to the most significant digital assets in the market without requiring them to buy, store, or secure the coins directly. In July, the SEC delayed its decision to convert GDLC from an OTC fund into an exchange-listed ETP on NYSE Arca, citing further review. However, the latest developments raise investors’ hopes that a multi-asset crypto ETP from Grayscale will soon become a reality. Approval under the Generic Listing Standards will help “streamline the process,” opening the door for more crypto ETPs. Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and ADA investors are the most…
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2025/09/18 13:31
Top 5 Trending Cryptos Today: What’s Hot in the Market

Top 5 Trending Cryptos Today: What’s Hot in the Market

Top 5 Trending Cryptos Today: What's Hot in the Market 🔥 Crypto Market Is Buzzing Today! Check out the top 5 trending cryptocurrencies making waves right now. Let
Share
Blockchainmagazine2026/02/15 13:00
Coinbase gains as ARK Invest buys $15M across ETFs

Coinbase gains as ARK Invest buys $15M across ETFs

The post Coinbase gains as ARK Invest buys $15M across ETFs appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. ARK bought ~$15M of Coinbase Friday across ARKK, ARKW, ARKF ark
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2026/02/15 13:14