Zhong Guo Jing Ying Bao·2026-01-09 12:53Core Insights - The Chinese M&A market experienced significant growth in 2025, with a total of 8,151 disclosed transactions and a transaction volume of approximately 25,894 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of about 16.12% [1] - The recovery of the M&A market is attributed to a combination of policy, industry, and capital resonance, marking a shift in China's economic development from "quantity increase" to "quality improvement" [1][3] - The trend indicates a transition in the regulatory framework from "fatherly" control to a "market-friendly" service model, significantly reducing institutional transaction costs and enhancing market vitality [1][3] Regional Distribution - Beijing led the M&A market with a transaction volume of 10,930 billion yuan, up 48.59% year-on-year; Shanghai followed with 6,092 billion yuan, down 14.92%; and Guangdong ranked third with 4,593 billion yuan, down 17.89% [2] - There were 28 M&A events exceeding 100 billion yuan, with notable transactions including China Shenhua's acquisition of Guoyuan Power at 1,335.98 billion yuan, and CICC's mergers with Dongxing Securities and Xinda Securities at 1,142.75 billion yuan [2] Industry Distribution - The industrial sector led M&A activity with a transaction volume of 7,605 billion yuan, up 11.67% year-on-year; the real estate sector saw a remarkable increase of 549.36% to 4,443 billion yuan; and the information technology sector reached 2,855 billion yuan, up 35.84% [2][3] - The significant growth in the real estate sector is attributed to necessary asset-liability restructuring, with many transactions aimed at project clearance and risk mitigation [3] M&A Trends and Strategies - The industrial sector's M&A activity reflects a shift from "spreading out" to "stepping up," focusing on enhancing supply chain resilience and precision [3][4] - Horizontal integration M&A events accounted for 5,966 billion yuan, representing 22.70% of total transaction volume, indicating a deep structural phase of "stock reshuffling" across various industries [4] - Companies are increasingly pursuing "structural power" through horizontal mergers, aiming to establish stronger competitive barriers and enhance management efficiency and technological innovation [4] Future Outlook - In 2026, two key areas of focus are expected: strategic acquisitions in hard technology industries, particularly in semiconductors and industrial software, and professional integration led by state-owned enterprises in sectors like new energy and high-end equipment [5] - Cross-border M&A in the high-tech sector is anticipated to gain momentum as Chinese companies seek to acquire advanced technologies and talent globally, enhancing their position in the global tech supply chain [5][6]