New data from SI Global’s 2025 M&A Insights Report reveals that while global deal volumes in marketing, tech and consultancy dropped 8 per cent year on year, the Asia-Pacific region led by Australia posted a 3 per cent increase, highlighting the region’s growing strategic importance in global dealmaking.
Europe (-18 per cent) and the US (-5 per cent) both saw sharp declines as valuation gaps and macroeconomic uncertainty held back buyers. In contrast, Australia is emerging as a magnet for private equity and tech-enabled acquirers, driven by the country’s rapid AI adoption, growing data infrastructure and commercial creativity.
“Australia has moved beyond being just ‘interesting’ to investors and it’s now a core market,” said Julia Vargiu, director, Australia at SI Global. “Buyers are targeting firms with tech-enabled models, AI capability and creative edge – and Australia is delivering on that brief.”
The sixth edition of the report is based on 1,485 deals from 130 of the most active global acquirers across marketing, tech and consultancy services. It shows AI, analytics and cyber security are top of mind for buyers and outlines new criteria for founders planning to scale or exit.
Private equity is playing a major role in reshaping the global agency ecosystem. While PE firms represent around 30 per cent of the total buyer base, 80 per cent of SI Global’s clients are choosing to sell to private equity or PE-backed groups. Many are receiving offers from both strategics and PE, but are opting for the alignment offered by private equity deal structures. Australia is now firmly in their sights.
Merchantwise, a digital-first Australian agency group backed by private equity, is named in the report as a standout example of this activity.
“AI readiness is now the price of entry,” said Michael Chin, director at SI Global. “Half of the buyers we surveyed now include artificial intelligence and machine learning in their M&A strategy. They expect more than a buzzword – they want to see how it’s operationalised and future-proofed.”
With 70 per cent of global buyers expecting M&A volumes to rise in 2026, the outlook is cautiously optimistic. However, deal success now hinges on more than capability alone, buyers are prioritising embedded tech, strong management teams and clear differentiation.
Other findings from the 2025 SI Global M&A Insights Report
- The buyer share for marcomms groups rose 22 per cent year on year, driven by consolidation plays from Publicis, Stagwell and Hakuhodo investing in AI-led capabilities.
- The number of active acquirers grew 4 per cent—a sign of long-term confidence even as deal completion remains complex.
- Accenture alone now accounts for 15 per cent of all tech consultancy acquisitions, with others racing to catch up.
- Investors are digging deeper into operations and leadership, with due diligence now at what the report calls a “deep tissue” level.
- While listed company values fell, high-quality private deals are still achieving strong multiples, especially in tech and marketing.
- The report also notes that one of the biggest challenges for buyers is finding companies with strong management teams and robust revenues—particularly in a tough economic environment.
“Australia is no longer on the fringe, it’s in the frame,” concluded Vargiu. “With more buyers in market than ever before, founders who combine strong leadership with clear capability are in a powerful position to attract serious interest.”
