The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region saw a significant rise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deal value in 2025, increasing by 33% compared to the previous year, according to Bain & Company’s Global M&A Report 2026. This growth places APAC between the Americas, which saw a 52% increase, and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa), which grew by 32%. The report highlights Japan as a standout performer, with a 93% increase in strategic deal value, making it the third-largest globally.
In Southeast Asia, however, the overall market deal value fell by 16% to $61b, despite a slight increase in the volume of deals over $30m. The strategic market deal value in the region also declined by 12% year-on-year. Notable transactions included Genting Bhd’s acquisition of Genting Malaysia Bhd for $4.1b in Q4 and Diginex’s acquisition of Resulticks Solution for $2b in Q2.
The report also notes a mixed performance across industries in Southeast Asia. Advanced Manufacturing and Services, the largest industry in the region, experienced a 21% decrease in strategic deal value, whilst the Energy and Natural Resources sector saw a 13% increase. Outbound strategic deal value from Southeast Asia rose by 18% to $15b, although the volume of deals over $30m decreased by 15%.
Bain & Company anticipates that M&A will continue to play a crucial role in strategic reinvention for companies facing technological disruption and shifting economic landscapes in 2026.
