Goldman Sachs 2025 M&A Outlook

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Gulp Data
January 21, 2025

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Goldman Sachs 2025 M&A Outlook

The 2025 M&A landscape is poised for dynamic growth, as outlined in Goldman Sachs’ 2025 M&A Outlook. With improving macroeconomic conditions, a rebound in corporate confidence, and heightened focus on AI and technology-driven transactions, businesses are preparing for a year of transformational opportunities. However, success in this environment requires leveraging all available assets—and data valuation stands out as a critical driver of enterprise value.

M&A in 2025: A Year of Opportunities and Challenges

Goldman Sachs projects a vibrant 2025 M&A market, buoyed by macroeconomic clarity, normalized regulatory policies, and a shift in corporate strategy toward growth and transformation. Specific highlights from the report include:

  • Private Equity Activity: Over 1,200 portfolio companies valued at $1 billion or more are expected to exit through sales or IPOs in the next 2-3 years. This would be over $1.2T alone in transaction activity. This trend reflects mounting pressure on sponsors to unlock liquidity and redeploy dry powder, with buy-side sponsor activity up 23% year-over-year in Q3 2024.

  • Surge in Large-Scale Transactions: Despite some regulatory delays, the number of $10 billion+ deals globally increased by 26% year-over-year in 2024, with even stronger growth in EMEA (+43%).

  • AI-Driven Dealmaking: The economic potential of AI is driving significant investments across infrastructure, platform, and application layers. For example, U.S. hyperscalers are projected to spend $1 trillion on AI-related investments by 2026, spurring waves of M&A as technology companies aim to integrate cutting-edge capabilities.

  • Cross-Border Activity: Global cross-regional M&A volumes are rebounding, with transactions between North America and Europe leading the charge at $267 billion in 2024. This trend highlights growing interest in unlocking valuation differentials across regions.

With capital deployment and transformation at the forefront, the outlook emphasizes the importance of preparation and precision in deal execution.

Data Valuation: A Strategic Imperative in M&A

In this competitive landscape, data isn’t just a supporting asset—it’s a centerpiece of value creation. Companies that can effectively catalog, assess, and quantify their data assets will find themselves better positioned to secure higher valuations and stronger post-transaction outcomes. Here’s how data valuation aligns with M&A trends in 2025:

  1. Unlocking Deal Multiples
    The ability to demonstrate the value of data can significantly impact deal terms. For instance, Fitbit’s health and activity data played a central role in Google’s $2.1 billion acquisition. Similarly, BlackRock’s purchase of Preqin emphasized the strategic integration of private equity data into its investment models.

  2. Driving IPO Success
    Data-focused companies like CoreWeave and ServiceTitan have showcased the financial impact of well-structured data assets, boosting their IPO valuations to new heights. Investors value transparency and the potential for monetization, making data a key differentiator.

  3. Facilitating Cross-Border Transactions
    As global M&A becomes more interconnected, data helps bridge valuation gaps across regions. Properly quantified data assets ensure smoother negotiations and integration for cross-regional deals.

  4. Enhancing Operational Synergy
    Acquirers value data that can unlock operational efficiencies or revenue synergies. Whether it’s customer insights, AI readiness, or compliance data, structured assets reduce risk and enhance deal attractiveness.

Why 2025 Is the Year to Act

With 1,200 private equity exits expected, a projected rebound in IPO activity, and increasing strategic focus on technology and AI, companies must ensure they’re maximizing the value of all their assets, particularly data. Goldman Sachs’ report highlights a key takeaway: organizations that embrace simplification and data-driven growth will lead the next wave of transformational M&A.

The Bottom Line
As the M&A market gains momentum in 2025, businesses must adapt to seize emerging opportunities. Data valuation isn’t just a financial exercise—it’s a strategic imperative. Partner with Gulp Data to ensure your company stands out in a competitive landscape and maximizes its enterprise value during transactions.

At Gulp Data, we specialize in helping businesses unlock the true potential of their data assets. Whether you're preparing for a sale or evaluating a target, our expert data valuation and monetization services ensure you don't leave value on the table.

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