McDermott Will & Schulte, a global law firm

The inaugural Dealmakers Without Borders nrought together leading voices in private equity, banking, and cross-border transactions.

This event featured insights from our international banking and private equity teams, and a packed agenda.

The program concluded with a networking reception, offering the opportunity to connect with peers and industry leaders.

AGENDA

• Key trends shaping cross-border dealmaking in 2025: Global markets are evolving at unprecedented speed, and investors who anticipate the next wave of opportunities will be best positioned for success. Our panel explored the macroeconomic and geopolitical factors driving cross-border M&A this year, from shifting capital flows and interest rate environments to the rise of new sectors attracting international investment. Participant gained a forward-looking perspective on where the deal market is headed.
• Structuring considerations and strategies for global private equity investments: As private equity funds continue to expand their global reach, deal structures must adapt to different jurisdictions, tax regimes, and regulatory landscapes. Our speakers shared practical insights into the strategies that make cross-border investments not only possible but profitable. We highlighted innovative structuring techniques that balance risk with return, offering attendees a toolkit for navigating increasingly complex transactions.
• The evolving regulatory and financial environment across Europe, the United States, and beyond: The rules of the game are shifting, from heightened scrutiny on foreign direct investment in Europe, to evolving antitrust and regulatory frameworks in the United States, to global ESG requirements that are redefining compliance. Our speakers unpacked what these changes mean for dealmakers and how to stay ahead of regulatory developments. Attendees left with a clearer picture of how global policies and financial systems are influencing cross-border deals in 2025.
• Practical takeaways from recent transactions and market activity: Theory is important, but lessons from real-world deals are invaluable. We drew on recent landmark transactions handled by our teams to showcase what works in practice, what pitfalls to avoid, and where creativity can make the difference between a stalled negotiation and a successful closing. These case studies provided clients with actionable insights they could apply to their own transactions.