
Citi’s Edwina Baruffi: PE capital deployment driving M&A recovery
Edwina expects significant M&A volume increase as sponsors deploy capital and corporates divest non-core assets.

Edwina expects significant M&A volume increase as sponsors deploy capital and corporates divest non-core assets.

With nearly two decades of experience, Isaac has spearheaded transformative projects such as the Kenya Petroleum Master Plan and conducted due diligence on significant infrastructure and privatization initiatives.

As a Director in Absa Group’s M&A team, Meshkaya specializes in structuring and executing complex financial transactions that drive corporate growth and delivers value to stakeholders.

Natasha shares her insights and future predictions on rates, tech, and strategic dealmaking.

Himanshu forecasts a rebound in M&A activity as investors seek exposure to the AI boom.

Diversification, transformation and sustainability are some of the tailwinds behind transactions in the previous 12 months.

With extensive expertise in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, corporate finance, capital markets, and business restructuring, Ian brings over three decades of experience to the legal and transactional landscape.

Imogen dissects the critical challenges and competitive dynamics shaping the private equity landscape in Europe in 2025.

Alasdair predicts a rise in European M&A activity despite geopolitical risks and valuation gaps.

Javier explains while the cost of financing remains a challenge, a gradual decline in rates will better equip PE funds to carry out deals.

With nearly two decades of experience in dealmaking across Africa, Abimbola Ogundare has built a reputation as a dynamic leader in financial advisory and corporate finance.

With over 14 years of experience, Akinola specializes in financial advisory assignments, including pre-deal support, buy-side and sellside due diligence, SPA support, reporting accounting, and restructuring services.

For over 25 years, Paul Bondi and Giles Douglas have been integral to deal-making across sub-Saharan Africa, navigating the region’s dynamic M&A landscape through cycles of economic boom and bust. As Managing Directors and Co-Heads of Global Advisory at Rothschild & Co South Africa, their careers have been shaped by diverse experiences—Paul, a Chartered Accountant, honed his skills at Fieldstone Private Capital before joining Rothschild & Co in 2006, while Giles, also a Chartered Accountant, started at Coopers & Lybrand in London before building a career in private equity and venture capital. Giles first joined Rothschild & Co in London in 1996 and returned to the South African operations in 2014, cementing a 28-year career in corporate finance.

Sergio shares his perspective on the sectors to watch and how private equity will fuel European M&A in the next 12 months.

Andrea explains how European PE activity is set to rebound significantly, fuelled by record levels of dry powder and the urgency to deploy capital.