WEALTH October 21, 2026 0 Comments

Why 85% of Companies Are Cashing In Big on Transatlantic M&A Deals — And What That Means for You

Ever wonder why some companies seem to hit the jackpot every time they cross the Atlantic? Well, it turns out transatlantic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are not just flashy headlines — they’re turbocharging revenue and productivity in a big way. According to fresh-off-the-press research from international law giant Winston Taylor, a whopping 83% of decision-makers anticipate a surge in large-cap deal activity over the coming year. That’s not just optimism; it’s a bold nod to the power of cross-border deals to reshape industries. And here’s the kicker: 91% of M&A leaders are convinced that these billion-dollar-plus transactions are good news for their home economies. At the company level, it’s almost unanimous that revenue, productivity, and profitability get a solid boost within two years of sealing the deal. Add to that gains in market share and international footprint, and you’ve got a compelling recipe for growth. Yet it’s not all smooth sailing — tighter regulations and longer timelines are throwing curveballs, prompting some to rethink their strategies or even call off deals mid-stream. So, what does this mean for Ireland and other hubs eager to stay competitive? As Adam Griffiths of Winston Taylor Ireland puts it, maintaining a welcoming environment for international investment is key to riding this transatlantic wave. Curious to dive deeper into these game-changing trends? LEARN MORE

Transatlantic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are delivering increased revenue and productivity for companies, with 83% of decision-makers expecting large-cap deal activity to increase over the next 12 months, according to new research from international law firm Winston Taylor.

The global analysis found that 91% of M&A decision-makers believe current levels of transatlantic deals valued at more than $1bn have a positive impact on their country’s economy.

At company level, 85% of respondents reported increased revenue within 24 months of completing a transatlantic deal, while the same proportion said productivity and profitability had improved.

A further 83% reported gains in market share and international expansion, highlighting the potential benefits of cross-border acquisitions for businesses seeking to grow.

Adam Griffiths, corporate partner and head of Winston Taylor Ireland, said the findings pointed to continued confidence in international dealmaking.

“We are very encouraged by the positivity and confidence that global M&A decision makers have regarding transatlantic deals,” he said.

“Ireland has strong investment links with the US, UK and EU and is particularly impacted by the trends that we are seeing in global M&A. The continued appetite for cross-border deals has the potential to create real opportunities for Irish businesses.”

The research also identified artificial intelligence (AI) and infrastructure demand as major influences on acquisition strategies, with 31% of respondents expecting these factors to be the single biggest driver of dealmaking in 2026 and 2027.

The findings suggest businesses are increasingly pursuing acquisitions to secure technology, capabilities and infrastructure needed to support future growth, alongside gaining access to new markets.

However, tighter regulatory requirements are creating challenges for dealmakers. More than half of respondents (53%) have accounted for longer timelines or higher costs due to increased foreign direct investment and national security screening.

Almost half (45%) are making greater use of joint ventures or minority investments, while 26% have abandoned a deal before due diligence because of stricter screening.

Griffiths said Ireland would need to maintain a competitive investment environment to benefit from increased transatlantic activity.

“As transatlantic deal activity increases, maintaining a stable and competitive environment for international investment will be important if Ireland is to continue attracting capital and support businesses looking to invest, acquire and grow,” he said.