Borealis Targets Borouge in Mega M&A Deal

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have reached a historic $115.5 billion in the first half of 2025, a 149% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2024, as reported by LSEG Deals Intelligence. The resurgence marks the region's highest first-half total since tracking began in 1980. The 16% increase in the number of deals demonstrates the region's resilience amid worldwide uncertainties, such as the impact of political and trade tensions. Leading factors sustaining this growth include significant sovereign investment, strategic diversification plans, and ongoing regulatory reforms. The UAE topped the charts with $39.8 billion in deals, highlighting its status as a favored investment destination. The largest pending M&A deal is Borealis AG's planned $30.85 billion acquisition of Borouge PLC in the UAE. Sectors such as materials, financial services, energy, and technology are the main arenas of transaction activity due to their alignment with regional economic goals. Rothschild led the financial advisor league tables for MENA with a dominant market presence in deal advisory, underscoring the premium firms are willing to pay for top-notch financial insight. As M&A interests broaden, sectors such as clean energy and digital infrastructure are expected to attract more investments.