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Despite geopolitical and macroeconomic headwinds, deal volume in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) held up relatively well in 2024. Overall, the CEE region saw 1,270 transactions in 2024, amounting to a combined value of EUR 27.4bn, according to Forvis Mazars.
Buyout volumes have fallen consistently in the region since 2021, with 160 announced in 2024, down 2% from 2023. The 160 buyouts announced in 2024 were worth a combined EUR 5.6bn, down 18% compared to 2023 but comfortably ahead of 2022’s total (EUR 4.4bn).
Poland, Austria, and Romania were the CEE region’s top M&A deal generators in terms of volume in 2024. In terms of aggregate deal value, Hungary took the top spot with transactions totalling EUR 6.5bn, followed by Poland (EUR 5.8bn) and Austria (EUR 4.9bn).
Innovative tech and sturdy industrials assets were the top attractions for inbound dealmakers in 2024. The technology sector registered a total of 216 transactions (representing 17% of all activity), of which nearly two-thirds (133) were led by bidders from outside the region.