Trends in Dutch Public M&A 2026

Ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty continues to cloud key dealmaking parameters. At the same time, transformational forces such as AI and the energy transition continue to reshape industries and create opportunities. For the year ahead, we are cautiously optimistic. We expect corporates to continue pursuing transformative transactions to secure critical capabilities, achieve scale, and strengthen long-term competitiveness. We also anticipate selective activity from private equity sponsors where they can bring genuine added value to target businesses.

Key trends shaping the market.

• A year with high deal volume and big-ticket cross-border transactions
• Strategic M&A takes centre stage
• High activity Dutch biotech companies listed in U.S.
• Back-end structures: established in the Netherlands and exported abroad
• Ample financing options available to bidders
• Merger control, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) remain key for success

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