Saudi Arabia’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market is on a sharp rise. In the first half of 2024 alone, the Kingdom recorded a 19% increase in M&A activity. This translated into 224 transactions with a combined deal value of $7.6 billion. The growth signals a surge in demand for Saudi M&A consulting, as both local and global investors tap into new opportunities.
Saudi M&A Contributions Update
At the heart of this surge is the technology sector, which led all industries with $1.4 billion worth of deals. This reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to digital innovation and tech-forward investment — a pillar of its Vision 2030 strategy. Industrial and consumer sectors followed closely, contributing 25% and 14% of total deals, respectively.
Foreign investment played a key role in this upward trend. In 2024, 32% of Saudi Arabia’s M&A deal value came from foreign investors. The most active players were from the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Overall, the country saw a 55% annual rise in deal volume, pushing the total deal value to $9.6 billion for the year.
This interest stands in stark contrast to the global M&A scene. While global deal volumes fell by 8.7%, the MENA region surged by 42% to $33 billion in total deal value. Saudi Arabia led this growth, reinforcing its position as a hub for strategic investment. The increase in cross-border interest further fuels the need for specialized Saudi M&A consulting services that can navigate cultural, legal, and economic complexities.
The Kingdom’s regulatory environment is also shifting in a more supportive direction. The General Authority for Competition (GAC) reported a 17.4% rise in approvals of economic concentration requests. This shows a clear move toward transparency, competition, and investor confidence — key ingredients for a thriving M&A ecosystem.
One of the most notable events of 2024 was Saudi Aramco’s $8.9 billion acquisition of Rabigh Refining & Petrochemical. This landmark deal illustrates the sheer scale of current M&A ambitions and highlights the complexity of transactions taking place in the region.
These developments are closely aligned with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s roadmap for economic diversification. Under initiatives like the National Transformation Program, the government continues to create an environment ripe for corporate consolidation, innovation, and foreign partnership.
As the region grows in both deal volume and strategic importance, so does the role of M&A advisory firms. Saudi M&A consulting providers are seeing increased demand for their expertise — from market entry strategy to deal negotiation and regulatory compliance.
In conclusion, 2024 marks a turning point for Saudi Arabia’s M&A landscape. The surge in deals, robust foreign interest, and bold sectoral moves all point to a future where Saudi Arabia will not only lead in MENA, but also shape global deal-making trends. For companies and investors looking to enter or expand in the Kingdom, the right M&A advisor will be key to unlocking value in this fast-evolving market.
Read also: Saudi M&A Growth Surges 19% in H1 2024, Hits $7.6B
