CEE M&A Transactions: Longer Deal Processes and a Greater Focus on Risk

The latest Dealsuite catalogue, featuring our Ecovis CEE team member Jan Slaby as a contributor to the broader M&A market analysis, provides valuable insight into current M&A transactions and the way deal processes are developing across the market.

M&A processes are taking longer than before. Across the market, investors are more cautious, acquisition finance is less available, and deal execution requires more time, more review and a stronger focus on risk allocation.

This is particularly visible in the CEE region, where SME transactions often require detailed assessment of financial, tax and operational risk. As a result, buyers place greater emphasis on transaction structure, documentation and overall deal certainty.

At the same time, successful M&A transactions can still move quickly when the process is well prepared. In one recent transaction, the period from LOI to Closing took just four months, showing that an efficient transaction processis still possible with the right structure, transparency and momentum.

From a CEE M&A advisory perspective, the message is clear: preparation is a critical factor in every transaction. A well-organised deal process, clear documentation and realistic expectations can significantly improve deal certainty, support smoother transaction execution and shorten the path from LOI to Closing. This is something we know well across the Ecovis CEE Group.