VIETNAM’S M&A MARKET HITS US$8.72 BILLION IN 2025

Vietnam’s M&A market surged by 26% in 2025, led by Thai and Japanese capital. Pictured is the production line at Thien Long Group, in which Kokuyo acquired a stake of over 65%. PHOTO: ARCHIVES

HCMC — Vietnam’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market recorded 367 transactions in 2025, with total announced deal value reaching US$8.72 billion, a 26% increase against 2024.

Of which, foreign investors accounted for 53.6% of the total transaction value, with Asian conglomerates maintaining a dominant role.

According to a report by Grant Thornton Vietnam, M&A activity showed a marked acceleration starting in the second half of 2025 as global economic and tariff uncertainties began to ease from the third quarter. This trend reflects improved market confidence, supported by Vietnam’s stable macroeconomic foundations.

Thailand led M&A investments into Vietnam with approximately US$$1.3 billion, followed by South Korea and Japan. Transactions throughout the year revealed a strategic push by regional conglomerates to increase their footprint in the consumer, retail, and manufacturing sectors. These industries are closely tied to Vietnam’s domestic market of over 100 million people and its growing significance within regional supply chains.

A standout transaction featured Kokuyo, which invested approximately US$$185 million to acquire a 65% stake in Thien Long Group, a move designed to rapidly expand its dominance in the stationery markets of Vietnam and ASEAN.

The report also noted a rise in activity from Chinese investors, reflecting a strategic shift from greenfield investments to M&A deals aimed at accelerating market entry. Despite several large-scale restructuring deals, Vietnam’s M&A landscape remains characterized by its mid-market segment, with an average transaction value of roughly US$$51.3 million. Most deals were driven by strategic investors, while financial investors maintained a cautious approach.

Looking ahead to 2026, Grant Thornton forecasts a selective recovery in M&A activity, with a focus on healthcare, energy, education, industry and logistics. Factors such as institutional reforms, infrastructure development, and the anticipated upgrade of the stock market are expected to bolster valuations and exit strategies, even as risks from global volatility persist.

Source: The Saigon Times

Related News

MEMBER CORNER / PROMOTIONS

VIETNAM'S MANUFACTURING STORY HAS CHANGED IN 2026

Vietnam is no longer attracting investment solely because of its competitive costs. Today, global manufacturers are increasingly choosing Vietnam for its expanding industrial ecosystem, resilient supply chains and growing role in high-value sectors such as semiconductors, electronics and advanced manufacturing.

Jul 24, 2026

BANKING / FINANCE / INSURANCE / TAX

VIETNAM NEEDS OVER $200BN FROM STOCK MARKET IN NEXT 5 YEARS

Speaking at the event, Bui Hoang Hai, vice-chairman of the State Securities Commission of Vietnam, said total investment demand in the 2026-30 period is estimated at VND38,000 trillion ($1.4 trillion). The state budget can only provide approximately VND8,500 trillion ($323 billion), or 20 percent, leaving the remaining 80 percent to be sourced from private and international capital.

Jul 23, 2026

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

HUNG YEN BUILDS DIGITAL FOUNDATIONS TO DRIVE LONG-TERM GROWTH

From strengthening data infrastructure to developing AI platforms, Hung Yen province is enhancing governance capacity while laying the groundwork for the growth of its digital economy. Hung Yen, about 50-60km southeast of Hanoi, has maintained steady momentum in implementing its digital transformation agenda, creating a stronger foundation for the province to advance science, technology, and innovation.

Jul 23, 2026

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

CHINESE INVESTMENT WAVE OPENS NEW DOORS

As Chinese companies move beyond factory relocation to ecosystem-driven investment, Vietnam has a rare opportunity to evolve from a low-cost production base into a strategic node in regional value chains. When global companies first diversified supply chains, the focus was largely on relocating manufacturing capacity.

Jul 23, 2026

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

VIỆT NAM STEPS UP EXPORT TO ACHIEVE US$550-BILLION TARGET

Việt Nam is intensifying efforts to sustain export momentum in the second half of 2026 as the country works towards its target of US$550 billion in export revenue for the year, despite continuing uncertainties in global trade. Statistics show that exports reached $266.5 billion in the first six months, meaning the economy needs to generate around $245.5 billion more during the remainder of the year to meet the annual goal.

Jul 23, 2026

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

ASIA POWERS VIETNAM’S SHRIMP BOOM, LEAVING THE WEST BEHIND

In the first half of 2026, Vietnam's shrimp exports surpassed the US$2.3 billion mark, driven largely by booming demand from China and a lobster craze. But behind that growth figure lies a lopsided picture: Asia is carrying the load, while the U.S. and Europe have yet to break out. These days, a container of frozen shrimp leaving a Ho Chi Minh City port is more likely to cross the East Vietnam Sea to Shanghai than the Pacific to Los Angeles.

Jul 23, 2026