The value of merger and acquisition (M&A) deals in Israel plummeted nearly half to $9.8 billion in 2023, marking the lowest figure since 2014, according to a report by PwC Israel.
The decline is attributed to uncertainties surrounding the government’s proposed judicial overhaul and the ongoing conflict with the Hamas terror group. Transaction volume decreased by 23% to 110 deals, the lowest count since 2015, with the average deal value dropping from $202 million in 2022 to $131 million this year.
Foreign investor involvement, particularly from the U.S. and Europe, also significantly declined, falling 41% to $6.7 billion. The high-tech sector remained a key player, accounting for 80% of all transactions in 2023, totaling $8 billion. Despite short-term challenges, PwC anticipates a recovery in the Israeli M&A market in 2024, driven by high-tech and research and development deals.
