Romania's Mergers and Acquisitions Market Hits Record Levels in First Half of 2026

Romania's mergers and acquisitions market has achieved a remarkable milestone in the first semester of 2026, reaching a record of 143 transactions. This impressive figure marks the highest number of transactions recorded in a single semester to date, reflecting a robust growth of 3% compared to the same period last year and a 5% increase from the second half of 2025.

The estimated value of transactions in Romania during this period stands at an impressive 6 billion dollars. This surge is part of a broader global trend, where transaction values have risen by 50% globally and the European market has seen an extraordinary 105% increase in the same timeframe.

In this record-setting period, transactions valued at over 100 million USD reached their highest historical level, comparable only to the figures seen in the first semester of 2020. Notably, 69% of the announced transactions did not disclose their values, slightly above the historical average of 67%. This indicates a market that, while vibrant, still has many undisclosed dimensions.

Strategic investors have played a significant role in this growth, accounting for 83% of the transaction volume, with 119 deals executed by these investors. Their share increased from 82% in the first semester of 2025. In contrast, financial sponsors contributed with a cumulative value of 1.2 billion dollars, or 16% of the total transaction volume.

The sectors leading the charge in transactions include Real Estate, Hospitality, and Construction, which topped the list with 34 transactions. Advanced Manufacturing and Mobility followed closely with 25 transactions, while Technology, Media, and Telecommunications recorded 23. The technology segment alone constituted 70% of the total volume within its sector.

Among notable deals, Pavăl Holding's acquisition of the Romanian operations of French retailer Carrefour, valued at 977 million dollars, stands out as the second-largest retail transaction to date. Other significant transactions include the sale of Profi Rom for 1.4 billion dollars in 2024 and the full acquisition of Evryo Group by Premier Energy for 824 million dollars.

The international landscape of these transactions highlights the return of the United States as the leading origin of transactions, with eight deals in the first semester of 2026. The UK, France, and the Netherlands also contributed to the mix, with three and five transactions respectively.

As Romania's M&A market continues to grow, it reflects a dynamic economic landscape that promises further development and opportunities in the coming years.