Global M&A in “Interesting Times”: Ireland’s Role in a More Selective Market

At the IMAP Spring Conference 2026 in Dublin, hosted by Key Capital - IMAP Ireland, Colin Morgan, CEO of Key Capital, and Jurgis Oniunas, Chairman of IMAP, spoke with Tom Lyons, CEO of The Currency, on how mergers and acquisitions activity is evolving in today’s environment.

A Market That Is Active - but More Demanding

Global M&A activity continues, but the conditions under which deals are completed have shifted. Buyers remain active, including in the U.S., but are increasingly selective, with longer timelines and greater scrutiny on pricing and structure.

As Jurgis noted, buyers are “highly selective”, and it is taking longer to complete transactions, with valuation gaps requiring more structured solutions to bring deals together.

Valuation gaps are becoming more visible, requiring more flexible and structured solutions to bridge differences between buyer and seller expectations. At the same time, macro factors - from interest rates to geopolitical tensions - are shaping sentiment and execution.

Ireland: Sector Strength and International Demand

Ireland continues to attract strong M&A interest, particularly in Financial Services, Technical Services, and Data Center-related sectors, with Colin highlighting that international buyers are actively seeking access to Irish expertise, while mandates are increasingly coming from overseas investors looking to enter the market.

Colin highlighted that there is significant interest from international buyers seeking access to Irish expertise, alongside mandates from overseas investors looking to establish or expand their presence in the market.

This positions Ireland not only as an active domestic market, but as a source of specialized capabilities that are attractive to global acquirers.

Execution and Access in Cross-Border M&A

A recurring theme was the importance of execution in cross-border transactions. Identifying the right buyer is only part of the process - reaching decision-makers quickly and efficiently remains critical to progressing deals.

Morgan emphasized the importance of reaching the right decision-makers quickly, noting that identifying the right buyer is only part of the process. The ability to access and engage with decision-makers efficiently remains critical to progressing transactions and achieving successful outcomes.

Implications for MA& in a More Selective Market

The market is not slowing - it is becoming more nuanced.

Deals continue to be completed, but success increasingly depends on alignment, access, and execution, rather than momentum alone. For advisers and clients alike, this means adapting to a more disciplined and selective environment, where outcomes are shaped as much by process as by opportunity.

Read the full interview HERE.