January 28, 2025

Chartered Business Valuators Institute’s M&A Outlook Survey reveals more than half of CBVs involved in M&A transactions in 2024 predict increased activity in Canada.

TORONTO, January 28, 2025 – Chartered Business Valuators Institute (“CBV Institute” or “the Institute”), the not-for-profit and self-governing valuation professional organization providing training and accreditation in business valuation and leading the Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) profession, released today the results of its 2025 M&A Outlook Survey.

With the cost of debt generally declining, inflation easing, and exchange rates fluctuating, the Institute’s 2025 M&A Outlook Survey reveals growing confidence in the Canadian M&A market. Conducted amongst CBV Institute Members active in M&A transactions in 2024, the survey indicates that over half (56 per cent) of respondents anticipate an increase in M&A activity in Canada over the next 12 to 24 months compared to 2024. Specifically, survey respondents identified the industrial products and services, healthcare, technology, and energy sectors as those most likely to experience increased M&A activity in the coming months.

“This is an interesting time for M&A, with numerous economic and geopolitical factors impacting the quantum and size of deals,” said Dr. Christine Sawchuk, MEd, EdD, CPA, CA, CBV, President & CEO, CBV Institute. “CBVs bring a wealth of experience and a comprehensive understanding of business health, providing trusted insights that drive the successful execution of M&A transactions.”

Additional highlights from the survey include:

 Cross-Border M&A: Optimism Amid Challenges

  • With rate cuts and easing inflation pressures in both Canada and the U.S., the deal market is adopting a more optimistic outlook.
  • Over half (56 per cent) of CBVs predict higher cross-border M&A activity involving Canadian companies in 2025. This reflects continued and emerging interest in cross-border opportunities, as well as potential acquisition opportunities in Canada due to a relatively weak Canadian dollar.
  • However, 22 per cent of CBVs express caution, citing potential geopolitical or economic headwinds such as trade tensions or regulatory changes.

Deal Size Expected to Remain Steady

  • Despite expectations for higher M&A activity in 2025 among CBVs surveyed, only 37 per cent anticipate an increase in deal size. Half (50 per cent) of the respondents forecast deal sizes to remain steady, similar to predictions from 2024.

Acquisition Focus

  • Mature companies remain a key focus for acquisitions, with 43 per cent of CBVs predicting increased M&A activity in this segment. These companies’ stability and established market positions make them attractive targets.

Buyers and Sellers

  • Sellers: Half (50 per cent) of respondents believe private companies will dominate transaction volumes, followed by private equity portfolio companies (34 per cent).
  • Buyers: Private equity firms (48 per cent) and private companies (46 per cent) are expected to drive transaction activity. While private equity’s ranking is slightly lower than in 2024 (55 per cent), it remains a dominant force in the market.

This survey was developed in close collaboration with Dr. Howard Johnson, DBA, FCPA, FCA, FCMA, CPA, CFA, ASA, CF, C.Dir., FCBV, Canadian Market Leader and Managing Director in Kroll’s M&A Advisory Practice.

Survey Methodology
The 2025 M&A Outlook Survey was conducted by CBV Institute between January 13, 2025, and January 19, 2025. The online survey was completed by CBV Institute’s Members who were involved in M&A activity in 2024.

About CBV Institute

CBV Institute is a not-for-profit accreditation body and professional oversight organization leading the Chartered Business Valuator profession, Canada’s only designation dedicated to business valuation since 1971.

CBV Institute upholds rigorous training and accreditation standards. With 4,000 Members and Registered Students across Canada and around the world, the Institute is dedicated to advancing the profession in the public interest and upholding the highest standards of business valuation practice through education, accreditation and governance.

For more information on CBV Institute, visit: www.cbvinstitute.com

About the CBV Designation

The Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) designation is a globally recognized business valuation accreditation and the benchmark of excellence in the profession. Holders of the prestigious CBV designation have the skills and expertise to meet the challenging and ever-evolving dynamics and complexities of business valuation. The integrity of the CBV designation is grounded in CBV Institute’s world-class Program of Studies and Membership Qualification Examination. Stringent Institute standards are upheld through annual professional requirements, including adherence to a Code of Ethics, participation in a practice inspection program, and continuing professional development requirements.
CBVs are internationally recognized by Courts, tribunals, and securities regulators as experts in business valuation and related financial matters.

For more on the CBV accreditation, visit: www.cbvinstitute.com/become-a-cbv/
Find a CBV through the CBV Institute Membership Directory: https://cbvinstitute.com/find/

 

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