Following a record year that saw $5 trillion (£3.6 trillion) worth of M&A, up from $3.4 trillion in 2020, transactions will remain a critical tool for CEOs in 2022. Nearly two-thirds (59%) expect their companies to pursue acquisitions in the next 12 months — up from 48% at the start of 2021.  

The findings from the first EY 2022 CEO Outlook Survey recorded the views of more than 2,000 CEOs across the globe on their prospects and challenges.