Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity has seen a significant increase in 2024, with transaction volumes involving German companies up almost 40% from the beginning of the year to mid-September. Overall deal volume for the first nine months of 2024 totaled $2.5 trillion, up from $1.6 trillion in the first half of the year, representing an 18% year-over-year increase. According to a Mergermarket report, M&A activity is expected to improve in the fourth quarter of 2024 following the U.S. election and the U.S. Federal Reserve's aggressive interest rate cut. M&A deal makers are anticipating an active year-end after a busy summer. October 2024 saw notable activity in the energy and sustainability sectors.