• Freshfields ranks #2 globally for cross-border M&A in Bloomberg’s H1 2025 league table, underlining its strength in multi-jurisdictional dealmaking.
• The firm is ranked #4 by LSEG and #6 by Bloomberg for global principal advisory work, demonstrating its continued role on high-value strategic transactions.
• Freshfields remains the #1 legal advisor in Europe, topping all three major league tables (Mergermarket, LSEG, Bloomberg).
• In the US, the firm is ranked #17 by Mergermarket, #18 by LSEG, and #16 by Bloomberg, maintaining its position in the top 20 since 2023 and reflecting growing momentum on transatlantic mandates.
• Freshfields is ranked #2 for European private-equity M&A by Bloomberg and #13 globally in Bloomberg’s PE table, showcasing its continued strength in sponsor-driven transactions.

Global law firm Freshfields has reaffirmed its leadership in complex, cross-border M&A, securing standout positions in the provisional H1 2025 rankings. The firm remains a top performer in Europe, maintains strong footing in the US, and continues to advise on major deals across APAC, MENA and the private equity space—despite challenging macroeconomic and regulatory conditions.

Andrew Hutchings, Co-head of Global M&A at Freshfields, commented:

“Dealmakers entered 2025 with a level of apprehension but we have seen renewed confidence and a focus on transformative, cross-border opportunities. Our clients are continuing to pursue strategic combinations, carve-outs and large-cap private-equity transactions across many sectors including technology, financial institutions, life sciences and in the energy-transition space. These rankings show the power of our integrated global team and our ability to deliver certainty on the deals that matter most. The remainder of 2025 looks promising.”

Freshfields achieves top rankings in Europe

Freshfields tops the European M&A league tables (#1 Mergermarket, #1 LSEG, #1 Bloomberg), maintaining leadership across the region:

Continued strength in the US

Freshfields is ranked #17 (Mergermarket), #18 (LSEG), and #16 (Bloomberg) in the US M&A rankings, continuing its run in the top 20 since 2023. The firm advised on Google’s $32bn acquisition of Wiz, the third-largest US deal in H1 2025.

Momentum in APAC and MENA

Freshfields holds solid positions across Asia-Pacific, ranking #15 by Mergermarket, #16 by LSEG, and #17 by Bloomberg. The firm’s Japan practice also remains active, with a #19 ranking in both LSEG and Bloomberg.

In the Middle East and Africa, Freshfields is ranked #1 by Bloomberg, reinforcing its market-leading position.

Private Equity

Freshfields’ global private equity practice continues to support major sponsors on transformational investments and exits. The firm ranked #2 for European private equity M&A and #13 globally in Bloomberg’s H1 2025 league table, advising on notable mandates such as Advent and Blackstone’s exit from Wiz and Cinven’s sale of Viridium.