U.S. M&A Outlook 2025: Sector Resilience, Supply Chains & What Sellers Should Know
In this brief video interview, Sam Matlin, Managing Director at Capstone Partners – IMAP USA, talks to Claire Smedley from IMAP HQ to share his expert perspective on the short-term M&A outlook in the United States.
Covering investor behavior, sector dynamics, and advice for business owners considering a sale, Sam highlights how private equity dry powder, supply chain positioning, and industry type are shaping deal activity in the near term.
M&A Demand Is Strong, But Supply Is Tight
“There’s a lot of demand for deals right now,” Sam begins. With private equity firms holding USD 2.5 trillion in dry powder, capital is available and waiting to be deployed.
However, the current U.S. M&A market is facing a supply-demand imbalance. Buyers are more selective, and deals that come to market are under greater scrutiny. Investors are carefully evaluating what they take on, meaning quality—and positioning—matter more than ever.
Companies with Domestic Supply Chains Are Better Positioned
According to Sam, companies with supply chains contained within the United States are in a stronger position. In a market affected by geopolitical and import-related uncertainties, buyers are favoring businesses that are less exposed to global supply risk.
This is a key factor for business owners to consider as they assess the timing and structure of a potential transaction.
Which Sectors Are Expected to Perform Well in M&A?
When asked about which industries are best positioned, Sam emphasizes two main categories:
- Service-based businesses – These companies are less dependent on product imports and have been more resilient to external disruptions.
- Essential industries like Automotive – Many companies in this sector have existing operations in Mexico and Canada, providing a level of protection from import volatility.
These characteristics give buyers greater confidence and contribute to the resilience of these businesses in today’s M&A landscape.
Advice for Business Owners: Be Patient
Not all businesses are ready to go to market immediately. As Sam puts it, “Certain businesses are sellable right now. Others might need to take more of a wait-and-see approach.”
For those already in process, he stresses the importance of patience, as deals are taking longer to complete than in previous years. This extended timeline is something both business owners and advisors need to plan for.
Watch the Interview
🎬 In under 2 minutes, Sam delivers clear, practical insights on:
- M&A demand and investor selectivity
- Sector resilience and domestic supply chains
- Service and Automotive business performance
- Key advice for business owners currently in or considering an M&A process
