Enterprise Software M&A remains at record levels—with both strategic and financial buyers driving the momentum

The enterprise software sector continues to boom. According to the latest Enterprise Software M&A Report 1H2026 from Hampleton Partners, 2,452 deals were completed in 2025 – the highest annual total ever, with a disclosed transaction value of USD 147 billion. In the second half of the year alone, 1,231 deals were closed, marking, together with the first half, the highest deal volume ever recorded in a single calendar year.

Miro Parizek, Founder and Senior Partner at Hampleton Partners, comments: “This record pace is being driven by both strategic and financial buyers. Strategic investors are using M&A as stealth R&D to expand their platforms and acquire top talent, while private equity investors pursue aggressive buy-and-build strategies, particularly in emerging markets.”

Demand for enterprise software companies remains high, but buyers are increasingly selective. With the AI hype cooling, claims regarding generative and autonomous AI functions are being evaluated critically. Only companies with genuine AI integration, measurable efficiency gains, and sustainable monetization models attract full buyer interest.

Companies meeting these criteria continue to benefit from strong market momentum. The race to innovate in AI and the acquisition of talent through acqui-hires are driving ongoing strategic consolidation in the enterprise software sector.

Conclusion: Enterprise software remains one of the most resilient and liquid sectors for M&A. Companies that combine innovation with effective integration are well-positioned for sustainable success.

Valsoft, the most prolific buyer in this sector, remains in first position in this reporting period, followed by Visma in second and Volaris in third.

Valsoft – 43 acquisitions, including Open Software (public sector administration software), Variphy (unified communication analytics and reporting software), and bids&tenders (digital procurement software)

Visma – 33 acquisitions, including WeFact (invoice management software), Kodia Oy (real estate property management software), and Alavie (accounting and tax software)

Volaris – 30 acquisitions, including Fintilect (front-end banking software), AskCody (workplace and meeting management software), and BitSoft (hospitality management software)

Download the full Hampleton Partners Enterprise Software M&A Market Report 1H2026, which explores key industry trends and acquisition case studies within the main subsectors: Enterprise Applications, Vertical Applications, Business Intelligence & Customer Analytics, Information Management, Infrastructure Management, and Design, Testing & Simulation.

Hampleton Partners’ M&A Market Reports are compiled using data and information from the 451 Research, Capital IQ, CB Insights, Gartner, IDC and more.

Hampleton Partners advises owners of software and technology companies on M&A transactions and growth financing with strategic buyers or financial investors. Hampleton’s experienced deal makers have advised hundreds of tech industry shareholders to date, providing hands-on expertise and targeted advice to entrepreneurs looking to sell, partially retire, or accelerate their growth.

With hubs across Europe, and partners in North America and East Asia, Hampleton offers a global perspective with industry expertise in Enterprise Software, Digital Commerce, IT & Business Services, Artificial Intelligence, Autotech & Mobility, Cybersecurity, Fintech, Healthtech, Supply Chain Management, Healthtech, HR Tech, and Insurtech. 

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