• The firm ranked #1 for European Private Equity (Bloomberg).
• Freshfields remains the #1 legal adviser for European M&A and the #1 adviser in the UK (Bloomberg).
• Freshfields ranks #3 globally for cross-border M&A in Bloomberg’s YTD 2025 league table, underscoring its strength in multi-jurisdictional dealmaking. (#2 LSEG, #3 Mergermarket).The firm ranked #1 for European Private Equity (Bloomberg).
• The firm is #6 globally for overall M&A (Bloomberg), maintaining a top-tier position across regions. (#6 LSEG, #5 Mergermarket).
• In the US, the firm remains within the top 10, ranking #10 in Bloomberg’s M&A table, reflecting its ongoing growth across transatlantic mandates.
• In the Middle East and Africa, Freshfields ranks #3, maintaining its strong market position across the region (Bloomberg).

Global law firm Freshfields has reaffirmed its leadership in complex, cross-border M&A, securing standout positions in the Q3 2025 rankings. The firm remains a top performer in Europe, Asia and MENA and continues its growth trajectory in the US.

Andrew Hutchings, Freshfields’ Co-Head of Global M&A, commented:

“These rankings reflect the continued strength of our global platform and our ability to deliver for clients on their most strategic, cross-border matters. From public M&A to private capital, we’re advising at the forefront of market activity, helping clients navigate complexity and unlock opportunity across regions.”

Top-tier cross-border M&A performance

Global M&A value in the first nine months of 2025, was the highest since 2021, with a strong rebound in megadeals and private equity activity.

Freshfields continues to rank among the world’s top advisers for cross-border M&A, placing #3 globally in Bloomberg’s 2025 year-to-date table, reaffirming its strength in complex, multi-jurisdictional dealmaking. The firm also ranks #6 globally for overall M&A by Bloomberg.

European leadership sustained

Europe saw an 11 per cent rise in value (LSEG), with Freshfields leading the region by value (Bloomberg).

Freshfields remains the #1 legal adviser for European M&A, topping Bloomberg’s 2025 rankings for the region.

The firm also holds the #1 position in the UK and #2 in Germany, reflecting its deep market presence and integrated European network.

Strong showings across Italy, Spain, the Nordics and Benelux further underscore its pan-European capability.

US momentum continues to build

Freshfields continues to strengthen its US presence, ranking #10 in Bloomberg’s US M&A table.

This sustained top-10 position highlights the firm’s expanding role on major transatlantic and US-driven mandates, particularly in the technology, energy and financial sectors.

MENA performance

In the Middle East and Africa, Freshfields is ranked #3, reflecting its continued strength on cross-border mandates and strategic regional investments.

Private equity

Private equity deal value increased by 27 per cent year-on-year (LSEG) with Freshfields #1 in Europe by value (Bloomberg).

The firm ranks #13 globally and #1 in Europe for private equity M&A in Bloomberg’s YTD 2025 tables, and #1 for European exits according to Mergermarket — confirming its strength in sponsor-driven dealmaking and secondary processes.