NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2025 -- Global equity issuance activity rebounded in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence's newly released Q4 2024 Global M&A and Equity Offerings Report.
On a quarterly basis, global IPO transactions rose more than 3.0% quarter over quarter, while the aggregate amount offered jumped nearly 56.0% to about $116.35 billion, the highest quarterly volume over the last two years. When measured annually, global IPO transactions were down compared to 2023, though recorded the largest volume since 2021.
The total announced value of M&A transactions and the number of deals increased year over year in 2024, ending a two-year decline for both measures. On a quarterly basis, the total value of M&A transactions fell 13.6% from 2023 levels and 15.5% from the previous quarter.
"While 2024 offered some signs of an increase in dealmaking, M&A and equity issuance remained far below historical levels," said Joe Mantone, lead author of the report at S&P Global Market Intelligence. "As we look to 2025, the stage is set for continued growth in global M&A and equity offerings, driven by strategic investments and supportive economic policies."
Key highlights from the Q4 2024 Global M&A and Equity Offerings Report include:
- The total announced value of M&A transactions and the number of deals increased year over year in 2024, ending a two-year decline for both.
- The total value of M&A transactions in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $613.33 billion, down 13.6% year over year and 15.5% quarter over quarter. Much of the drop was driven by lower US totals.
- The total value raised in global equity issuance from 2022 through 2024 was $1.039 trillion, just below the $1.043 trillion raised in 2021 alone.
- The total value of fourth-quarter 2024 global equity issuance transactions jumped 55.6% quarter over quarter to $116.35 billion, the highest quarterly total since 2021.
The quarterly report provides an overview of global M&A and equity issuance trends, offering insights into the sectors and geographies that are seeing the most activity. It also focuses on deals with the highest valuations and strategies larger players pursue that underscore trends occurring throughout an industry. S&P Global Market Intelligence has produced the quarterly, global M&A and equity offering report since the first quarter of 2018.
To request a copy of the Q4 2024 Global M&A Equity Offerings Report, please contact press.mi@spglobal.com.
S&P Global Market Intelligence's opinions, quotes, and credit-related and other analyses are statements of opinion as of the date they are expressed and not statements of fact or recommendation to purchase, hold, or sell any securities or to make any investment decisions, and do not address the suitability of any security.
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S&P Global Market Intelligence is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world's foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help many of the world's leading organizations navigate the economic landscape so they can plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence.
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