Overview

• The number of global M&A contracts signed in April hit its lowest level since February 2005, with U.S. deal signings dropping to just 555, the fewest since May 2009.
• Global M&A deal value fell to $243 billion in April, a 54% decline from March and 20% below the 20-year monthly average, according to Dealogic data.
• President Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs, announced on April 2, created market volatility, delaying IPOs and M&A activity as companies reassess risks.
• Technology-focused deals, particularly those tied to intellectual property, provided rare support in an otherwise stagnant M&A landscape.
• Bankers are advising clients to postpone transactions until U.S. trade policies stabilize, with concerns over supply-chain disruptions and retaliatory tariffs adding to the uncertainty.