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The CEO Imperative series
Disruption never sleeps. And corporate transformation should never stand still. According to our January 2025 EY-Parthenon CEO Outlook Survey, the most confident CEOs recognize this. They have finely tuned their risk radars to understand what is most likely to challenge their business models – and are prepared to act boldly to bypass any bumps in the road.
The most confident executives also understand that true transformation is multifaceted. It is a combination of organic and inorganic actions – and M&A is likely to be a transformation accelerant in 2025. In a highly competitive environment, unlocking value from deals becomes more of an imperative. The most confident CEOs see that clearly, with seven out of 10 signaling a strong M&A appetite for the next 12 months, while only 17% of the least confident business leaders have the same ambitions.
Please complete the form to download the full EY-Parthenon CEO Outlook Survey report and learn five ways CEOs should think and behave to succeed in today's disrupted environment. The research-based report also provides insights into:
A Luxembourg perspective
In the context of our local market, the insights from the EY Global CEO Survey resonate profoundly, particularly regarding the emphasis on value creation and the strategic role of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in driving transformation.
Firstly, the notion of value creation in any transaction cannot be overstated. In our rapidly evolving economic landscape, it is imperative for CEOs to adopt a long-term view that integrates value creation, and appropriately capture such value creation realization in their year-end valuations as reported to investors and other stakeholders. This approach not only enhances transparency but also allows organizations to track the impact of their strategic decisions over time. By focusing on sustainable value creation, businesses can better navigate market fluctuations and build resilience against future disruptions.
Secondly, as CEOs consider M&A as a catalyst for transformation, it is crucial to engage the right experts throughout the process. Understanding the value potential of transactions requires a comprehensive analysis that goes beyond financial metrics. Involving specialists in due diligence, market analysis, and integration strategies ensures that organizations can fully capitalize on the synergies and opportunities presented by M&A. This collaborative approach not only mitigates risks but also fosters a culture of informed decision-making, ultimately driving meaningful change and growth.
As business leaders embrace the principles outlined in the survey, prioritizing value creation and expert involvement in M&A will be essential for achieving sustainable success in an increasingly complex business environment.
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The CEO Confidence Index measures executives’ outlook on the macroeconomic environment and company performance, which is part of the EY-Parthenon CEO Outlook Survey series. Higher Index values indicate a more positive sentiment regarding the future state of the economy and their businesses. The latest Global CEO Confidence Index shows a modest three-point increase since September 2024, indicating strengthening CEOs' optimism about the next 12 months. CEOs are not yet overly bullish about the future, but improvements in growth expectations, access to talent, and investment opportunities are driving this increase.
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