Romania leads CEE M&A growth with 9% transaction increase
Romania emerged as the most dynamic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), recording 9% growth in transaction numbers during 2025.
Romania emerged as the most dynamic mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), recording 9% growth in transaction numbers during 2025.
Construction costs and plot acquisition have become the primary concerns for real estate developers in Central Europe in 2026, affecting 27% and 25% of companies respectively, according to a Deloitte report.
Commercial real estate companies remain optimistic about 2026, with 83% expecting revenue growth, according to a Deloitte report. This represents a slight decline from 88% last year, while 68% plan to increase expenses in 2026.
Insurers are experiencing uncertainty from economic pressures, geopolitical volatility and increasing catastrophic events, combined with higher customer expectations, according to the Deloitte 2026 global insurance outlook.
While the EU discusses applying handling fees for parcels worth less than €150 from non-EU countries, Romania and Italy have decided to implement it this year.
Holiday spending is decreasing by about 10% this year compared to 2024, as three-quarters of consumers (77%, up from 69% in 2024) expect higher prices on holiday goods.
Romanian companies Finqware, Questo are among the fastest growing technology start-ups in the region, being included in the 2025 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Central Europe ranking.
Family business revenues are projected to reach $29 trillion by 2030, reflecting an 84% increase compared to 2020, according to a Deloitte study. These businesses currently account for 19% of all business revenue globally and represent more than 18,000 entities worldwide.
The European property market has begun to adapt to new conditions. The latest data, based on a survey in 28 countries across Europe, has clearly confirmed this, according to the 14th edition of the Deloitte Property Index.
M Core has significantly expanded its retail portfolio with over €150 million in strategic investments over the past six months and has an active pipeline exceeding €200 million in projected developments over the next two years.
Global leaders are increasingly confident in their organizations' AI initiatives, with eight out of ten organizations (78%) anticipating an increase in their overall AI.
Construction labour cost and availability have become the primary concerns for real estate developers in Central Europe, according to a new survey by Deloitte. This shift sees it surpassing project financing, which has been the dominant issue in recent years.
AI agent usage is rising, with 25% of organizations using Gen AI expected to deploy it by 2025, increasing to 50% by 2027.
Companies that received the certification are Agexim Transport & Logistics, Christian'76 Tour, Compexit Grup, IRUM, Perla Harghitei and Temad Co.
The study shows that data-related issues have caused 55% of the organizations to avoid certain Generative AI use cases.
Amid higher prices expectations, buyers remain wary, and many intend to cut back on gifts for themselves or to switch to lower-priced brands.
Seven out of ten companies in Romania expect an increase in impact of circular economy regulations from moderate to high and very high in the next five years.
Another important aspect for the organizations' success identified by the study is reimagining the work, workplace, and workforce in line with technology developments (67%).
Nearly 60% of respondents see the potential of e-invoicing and digital reporting for trade to simplify compliance.
Romania has a considerably higher rate of young people who make plans for their future (96%), among which 54% have well defined plans, compared to 40%, the European average.

The European Commission (EC) has finalised the signing of the SAFE loan agreement with Romania.
Sphera Franchise Group, Romania's largest food service group, reported consolidated sales of €75.6 million in Q1 2026, up 4.2% compared to the same period last year. Growth was driven by the return to positive performance of KFC Romania and the strong evolution of Taco Bell.
Hidroelectrica signed a €188.5 million contract for the refurbishment of Râul Mare Retezat Hydropower Plant. The project aims to modernize and improve the efficiency of the company's generation capacities.
Banca Transilvania (BT) said its consolidated net profit reached RON 1.14 billion lei (€228 million) in Q1, representing a 30.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Total assets for the group expanded to RON 227 billion lei (€45.4 billion) as the institution neared the milestone of five million active customers.
Vastint Romania has announced a new leasing contract with Arcadis Romania, which will occupy 1,183 sqm in building A of Business Garden Bucharest. The global design, engineering and consultancy company joins a growing community of international tenants at the development.