Cross-border M&A value jumps despite flat deal volume
Cross-border M&A value spiked in Q1, even as the overall pace of dealmaking held steady, according to a Deloitte M&A report published today.
By the numbers: Deal value hit $161.3 billion, compared to cross-border deals worth $85.1 billion in the prior quarter and $72.5 billion in Q1 2025, per the report.
- There were 552 cross-border deals in Q1 of this year, on par with the 563 from 2025's Q4. There were 487 in the first quarter of last year.
Between the lines: Total value was buoyed by spice and sauce maker McCormick buying Unilever's food business for $44.8 billion.
What we're watching: The Deloitte report, which surveyed 500 strategic and private equity dealmakers during April, says 45% of respondents have an increased interest in cross-border deals — and a particular interest in U.K. targets.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to show Deloitte surveyed 500 dealmakers (not 300).
