Transatlantic M&A deals boost revenue
Transatlantic mergers and acquisitions are delivering significant business benefits, with 85% of decision-makers reporting increased revenues within 24 months of a deal, according to global research from Winston Taylor.
The report, The Deal Dividend, found that 85% of respondents also reported improvements in productivity and profitability following a transatlantic transaction.
Meanwhile, 83% cited gains in market share and international expansion.
The findings highlight the wider economic impact of cross-border deals, with 91% of decision-makers surveyed saying current levels of large-cap transatlantic M&A, involving transactions valued at $1 billion or more, have a positive impact on their country's economy.
AI and infrastructure shape acquisition strategies
Artificial intelligence (AI) and infrastructure demand are emerging as the leading influences on acquisition strategies over the next 12 to 18 months.
Almost one-third (31%) of decision-makers identified these factors as the single biggest influence on their transatlantic acquisition plans for 2026-27.
Extending an existing sector footprint ranked second, at 15%, followed by access to deeper capital markets and regulatory or political factors, both cited by 13% of respondents.
Acquiring technology and intellectual property was identified by 12%, while currency and valuations accounted for 11%.
The findings suggest that businesses are increasingly pursuing acquisitions to secure the technology, capabilities and infrastructure needed to support future growth, alongside opportunities to enter new markets.
Regulatory challenges
Despite growing regulatory pressures, expectations for transatlantic dealmaking remain positive.
More than half (53%) of respondents said they had modelled longer timelines or higher costs due to tighter foreign direct investment and national-security screening.
Almost half (45%) reported making greater use of joint ventures or minority investments, while 26% said they had abandoned a deal before due diligence because of stricter screening requirements.
Nevertheless, 83% expect large-cap transatlantic M&A activity to increase over the next 12 months.
Ireland positioned to attract investment
Adam Griffiths (corporate partner and head of Winston Taylor Ireland) said the findings demonstrated strong confidence in transatlantic transactions and their potential to create opportunities for Irish businesses.
“The continued appetite for cross-border deals has the potential to create real opportunities for Irish businesses,” he said.
Griffiths added that Ireland faces competition for international investment and that maintaining a stable, competitive environment would be important as deal activity increases.