Inbound M&A into Australia Soars to Near-Record Highs in 2025

Leading the charge are Japan and the United States, whose investors are making bold, strategic bets on Australia’s resilient sectors. Mitsui’s USD 5.3 billion injection into Rio Tinto’s Rhodes Ridge iron ore project stands out as a headline-grabbing commitment to Australia's enduring mining strength. Yet beyond the mines, the uptick in deal activity across tech, insurance, and cyber risk suggests a far broader investor appetite.

Private equity players are not sitting on the sidelines. Firms like PSG Equity are doubling down on Australia’s mid-market by backing governance and compliance innovators such as Protecht Group. These bets hint at long-term confidence in Australia’s ability to produce high-value, globally scalable platforms — particularly in fintech, risk management, and digital infrastructure.

While mining still dominates dollar volumes, other sectors are rising fast. The tech and financial services verticals, along with niche plays in subsea services and regulatory tech, are seeing increased traction. Investors are clearly seeking diversified exposure beyond traditional commodity-driven plays.

With capital flowing in from Europe, North America, and Asia, 2025 marks a defining moment for Australia’s inbound M&A landscape. The combination of economic resilience, regulatory transparency, and sectoral diversity is turning heads globally. For founders, investors, and advisors alike, the message is unmistakable: Australia is not just open for business — it's becoming one of the world’s preferred destinations for it.