DLA Piper reaches landmark 15th consecutive year at the top for M&A transactions
DLA Piper has achieved an unprecedented 15th consecutive year at the top for global M&A deals. DLA Piper is the highest-ranked legal advisor in the world for M&A deal volume, according to Mergermarket's league tables. Despite a challenging global M&A environment throughout 2024, DLA Piper continued to gain market share and completed more deals than any other firm in the world. The firm was involved in over 1000 transactions with a disclosed aggregate deal value of approximately USD158 billion.
Contributing to this market leading success and further supporting its reputation, DLA Piper received top rankings in the Mergermarket league tables for deal count in a number of regions and countries worldwide, including:
- #1 Global for the fifteenth consecutive year (Over 560 deals ahead of the next placed firm)
- #1 Europe for the twelfth consecutive year
- #1 Benelux (up from #2 last year)
- #1 Nordics for the eighth consecutive year
- #1 Middle East & Africa for the second consecutive year
- #1 UK (up from #2 last year)
- #1 Poland (up from #3 last year)
- #1 Denmark (up from #2 last year)
- #2 CEE
- #2 Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH)
- #2 Sweden
- #2 Finland
- #2 Germany
- #3 Americas
- #3 US
- #5 Australasia
- #5 France
We were also ranked #6 in Asia Pacific (excl. Japan) and Norway; #7 in Austria; #8 in Japan and #10 in Italy, South Korea, Switzerland and Canada.
In the Private Equity markets, DLA Piper were also ranked number one in Europe for both Buyouts and Exits, both up from third spot last year.
Jon Kenworthy, global co-chair of DLA Piper’s Corporate practice, said: "To have ranked number one for global M&A deals for a landmark fifteenth year running is not only an outstanding achievement, but also clearly illustrates our commitment to helping our clients transform their businesses in a changing and complex global environment. This success is down to our people who are driven by the firm's culture to think differently and see where success lies in the next economy. Without this mindset none of this would be possible, so I would like to extend my personal thanks to the global team."
Kathleen Ruhland, global co-chair of DLA Piper’s Corporate practice, said: "In terms of outlook, although the geopolitical situation remains uncertain in many regions around the world, we are entering a period of relative stability. Combined with falling interest rates, it is shaping up to be a busy year. DLA Piper's global footprint, commercial insight and understanding of the global M&A environment shows an improving picture for deals in 2025, likely to be driven out of the US."
Rob Salter, global co-chair of M&A, said "The number of deals that we advise on globally provides an unmatched insight into M&A trends across the market and across sectors. This, along with our global footprint, positions us perfectly to advise on an increasing number of complex, multi-jurisdictional and high value deals. This is clearly illustrated by our average deal value of USD334 million and involvement in more than 25 deals valued at over USD1 billion over the past 12 months. We look forward to continuing to provide our clients with seamless advice wherever in the world they do business."
Andrew Gilbert, chair of DLA Piper’s US Corporate practice, commented: “We also want to thank our clients across the globe. DLA Piper’s client-centric focus enables us to be a valued partner and advisor to help clients execute on their strategic business goals. It is an honor to be placed in such a position, and I would like to express our collective heartfelt thanks for the trust that they put in us.”