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Summary
While headline M&A figures suggest cautious optimism for 2026, they often overlook where a significant share of deal activity is taking place across the mid-market in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
In this session, we’ll leverage S&P Global’ s latest M&A infographic data alongside insights from Deal Leaders International and M&A advisors across the Pandea Network to map regional and sector-specific trends, that go beyond the headlines. Drawing on the experience of advisers working on live mid-market transactions, our panel will explore what is truly driving deal flow across EMEA markets beyond the headline narratives.
From shifting valuation dynamics to financing conditions across markets and cross-border complexities, this discussion will bridge the gap between top-line data and on-the-ground execution.
In this session, we will explore:
- What the latest S&P Global data reveals about mid-market activity across EMEA and where it diverges from headline trends
- The real drivers of deal flow at the regional and country level, based on live transactions
- How financing conditions and investor appetite are shaping mid-market deals differently across sub-regions
- The practical impact of regulatory and geopolitical factors on deal execution across EMEA
- Where advisors are seeing emerging pockets of opportunity and where momentum is stalling.
Whether you are a corporate acquirer, financial sponsor, or advisory professional, this session will provide practical perspectives to inform your EMEA dealmaking strategy.
Speakers
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Ely Fal
Associate Director of Market Development, Data & Research Solutions
Ely Fal is a market development associate in the desktop business development team based in London where his key focus areas are corporates and professional services in Europe. Throughout his time at S&P Global, Ely has worked with emerging start-ups and mature companies in private and public markets with scopes spanning Corporate Development, M&A, Strategy, Credit Risk, ESG and Business Development.
IRIS Corporate Finance
Jan-Willem Ditters
Partner
Jan-Willem Ditters is a Partner at IRIS Corporate Finance, an independent M&A boutique specialising in owner-managed businesses in the Netherlands. With 30 years of experience in international dealmaking,he has advised on over 300 (cross-border) transactions across sectors including IT & media, high-tech,
transport & logistics, and healthcare.
IRIS Corporate Finance takes an entrepreneurial approach to M&A advisory — combining sector knowledge with the agility and personal commitment that owner-managed businesses deserve. As the exclusive Dutch partner of Pandea Global M&A, IRIS brings an international network to bear while remaining firmly rooted in the Dutch mid-market.
This blend of local expertise and global reach gives Jan-Willem a distinctive perspective on the dynamics driving M&A activity among entrepreneurial businesses across the EMEA region.
Adacta Advisory
Francis De Zanche
Partner
Francis De Zanche is a Partner at Adacta Advisory and an M&A advisor specializing in Transaction Services, with a focus on Financial and Business Due Diligence. With over 20 years of experience in the Italian mid-market, he supports both private equity and industrial clients on sell-side and buy-side
transactions.
Francis has built his career in management consulting, helping companies define medium- to long-term strategies, execute internal and M&A-driven growth plans, improve performance, and maximize exit value. He began his professional journey working with large multinational organizations across Italy, Europe, and the Middle East, before focusing from 2007 onward on Italian SMEs.
Known for a pragmatic, value-driven approach, Francis prioritizes long-term relationships with entrepreneurs and emphasizes frequent, tangible feedback on results.
Tanami Financial Advisory
Sherif Ahmed
Founder and CEO
Sherif is the founder and CEO of Tanami Financial Advisory, a Cairo based investment bank covering the MENA region. He has over 25 years of experience between private equity and investment banking. Prior to founding Tanami, Sherif was a member of HC Securities and Investment, one of the leading investment banking firms in the region. He is currently the Chairman of Misr Beni Suef Cement Company an EGX listed cement manufacturer and sits on the board of 3 other companies. Throughout his career, he oversaw the execution of some of the most important transactions in the region, including the 20% sale of the CIB, the largest private sector bank in Egypt, to the US based PE firm Ripplewood as well as the sale of a minority stake in BBI, the leading AI service provider in the region, to the French based PE firm, Amethis.
Deal Leaders International
Terry Stratis
Head of Market Intelligence & Strategy
Terry Stratis is Head of Market Intelligence & Strategy at Deal Leaders International (DLI), a South Africa based sell-side M&A advisory firm. He leads buyer strategy and transaction positioning, helping clients identify the right strategic and financial acquirers and present a compelling equity story in a sale process. Working across South Africa and international buyer markets, Terry brings a practical perspective on cross-border appetite, valuation drivers and the factors shaping deal activity.
Dow Schofield Watts
Roger Esler
Corporate Finance Partner
M&A Advisory specialist, including Private Equity and Debt fundraising.
Over 33 years of experience in the UK Mid Market, based mostly in Yorkshire & North East region. Working predominantly with business owners in a range of sectors advising on trade sales, buyout and related financing
Questions?
Please contact us if you need more information or have trouble accessing the webinar.