Southeast Asian businesses are shifting their approach to divestitures, treating them as strategic tools rather than reactive asset sales, according to Deloitte’s 2026 Global Divestiture Survey. The report highlights a growing trend among corporates, state-linked entities, and family conglomerates in the region to use divestitures to sharpen strategic focus, unlock value, and fund growth.
The survey identifies five key themes that are expected to shape the divestiture landscape in Southeast Asia over the next 12 to 24 months. Firstly, divestitures are increasingly being driven by strategic portfolio management rather than opportunistic disposals. Companies are reassessing their portfolios in light of geopolitical risks and shifting trade patterns, reallocating capital towards technology and resilient supply chains.
Preparation quality is also emerging as a critical factor, with leading sellers adopting global best practices to accelerate value and timing. However, many organisations, particularly first-time sellers and mid-market family groups, still face challenges in this area, leading to prolonged diligence and increased execution risk.
External market conditions remain a significant influence on valuations, with Southeast Asia experiencing stabilising deal activity and strong interest in technology, healthcare, and infrastructure. Execution certainty and regulatory navigation are crucial differentiators, especially in sectors like energy and financial services.
Finally, the report emphasises the importance of building institutional “divestiture muscle” to manage multi-year portfolio programmes effectively. As private equity and infrastructure investors target corporate carve-outs, the demand for professionalism and value-creation clarity is expected to rise.
Deloitte’s survey suggests that Southeast Asian companies are moving towards a modernised approach to divestitures, focusing on strategic fit and future competitiveness. This shift is seen as essential for unlocking capital for growth and positioning organisations to compete on a regional scale.
