Cognos 2025 Deal Review: A Year of Strategic Growth & Global Success

Cognos 2025 Deal Review: A Year of Strategic Growth &...

In 2025, Cognos Global Partners, the global M&A and transaction advisory network, has seen a period of remarkable growth, successful deal execution, and international expansion. Cognos has strengthened its global footprint and delivered outstanding outcomes for clients and member firms alike — all while building momentum across new markets and industry verticals.

Here’s a brief roundup of last year’s key achievements…

Strengthening the Network Under a Unified Vision

One of the most important developments in 2025 was the continued consolidation of the Cognos Global Partners brand.

Rebranding of ICFG to Cognos Global Partners wasn’t merely a cosmetic shift — it represented a strategic reunion of all member firms under a cohesive brand that reflects shared ambition, global scale, and a unified commitment to serving mid-market clients collaboratively.

The contemporary new identity has sharpened the network’s focus on cross-border M&A, capital raising, and strategic advisory services, positioning Cognos as a go-to partner for both local businesses and international investors.

This rebrand was showcased at the Annual Partners Conference in Hong Kong, where 30 partners from 16 countries gathered to strengthen collaboration, standardise best practices and uncover new opportunities for co-advisory mandates and client engagements across borders.

Operating under a unified identity has enabled the network to sharpen its strategic focus, strengthen cross-border collaboration and present a clearer value proposition to clients worldwide.

Robust Deal Flow Across Sectors and Geographies

Over the year, Cognos’ member firms have executed 127 transactions or deals, across a wide range of different sectors — underscoring not only the breadth of the network’s expertise but also its deep local knowledge coupled with international reach.

Advising on a wide range of transactions across multiple industries, deals were completed across sectors including consumer and retail, technology, industrials, healthcare, business services and energy. This demonstrated a consistent demand for high-quality advisory support.

Business services, industrials and technology deals performed best, with more than half of Clients approaching Cognos looking for expert international sell-side M&A advice.

Some notable 2025 Cognos Global Partners transactions include:

Alongside an abundance of sell-side M&A assignments, Cognos firms have supported capital raises and debt financings, including assisting a clean energy development company in the USA to raise $20m in debt capital — a testament to the network’s strength in supporting growth-stage financing and structured advisory work.

Expanding the Global Footprint

Cognos now operates in 15+ countries with 25 offices worldwide, encompassing major financial hubs across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Member firms are present in countries including the UK, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, UAE, India, China, Australia and Uruguay, among others.

2025 saw the notable addition of Australian firms to the Cognos network. This targetted, growing presence enables Cognos to deliver on-the-ground expertise supported by an international network that facilitates cross-border transactions and access to strategic capital sources. In today’s increasingly globalised mid-market, that combination of local insight and global reach has become a critical differentiator.

Strengthening Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

Beyond execution, the network has deepened its internal collaboration mechanisms. Regular events — including weekly pitch calls, sector-focused vertical groups (e.g., healthcare, technology, consumer, logistics), and structured training programs — have helped member firms share insights, co-develop mandates, and elevate service standards. These forums also support junior advisory staff through exchange programs and targeted learning sessions, building talent and knowledge across the network.

Partners across regions emphasise that this collaborative approach serves as a force multiplier in competitive situations, enabling Cognos firms to participate in larger and more complex mandates by drawing upon collective expertise and global buyer networks.

Delivering Value in a Challenging Market

Despite ongoing economic uncertainty and evolving market conditions, Cognos Global Partners has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. The network’s focus on the mid-market — combined with its sector expertise and international reach — has enabled it to remain active and relevant in a competitive advisory landscape.

Clients continue to value the hands-on, partner-led approach of Cognos firms, particularly when navigating complex transactions or cross-border situations. This trust has underpinned repeat mandates and long-term relationships, further strengthening the network’s reputation.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As Cognos Global Partners builds on the momentum of the past year, the outlook remains positive. With a growing global footprint, a strong pipeline of mandates and a collaborative culture at its core, the network is well positioned to continue supporting clients through growth, transition and strategic change.

Whether advising on landmark transactions, facilitating international expansion or raising capital for the next stage of growth, Cognos Global Partners remains focused on delivering exceptional outcomes — combining local expertise with global perspective to help clients succeed.

Get in touch with the Cognos team to find out how we can help your business (or indeed how you can join the network): contact@cognos-global.com.

 

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