Cross-border mergers between EU banks have reached their highest level since the 2008 financial crisis, as stronger profits and buoyant share prices have driven a revival in dealmaking. 

The total value of cross-border European banking transactions reached €17bn in 2025, up from €3.4bn a year earlier and the highest since the €19.5bn of deals recorded in 2008, according to Dealogic data reported by the FT. 

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