Family offices play significant role in mergers and acquisitions, according to PwC Canada report

amily offices becoming significant players in the Canadian investment arena was highlighted in the 2025 mid-year Canadian M&A update report from PwC Canada. According to the report, deal values involving Canadian family offices experienced a remarkable surge of more than 16% between 2023 and 2024, a stark contrast to the previous decline in 2021. Club deals, impact investing, and direct investments emerged as key factors contributing to this positive trend.

In the realm of investment, 23% of Canadian family offices’ investments took the form of club deals last year. These collaborative arrangements enable family offices to pool their resources and become co-investors, providing them with access to a broader array of opportunities while simultaneously mitigating risk. Such club deals are increasingly gaining traction on a global scale.

Furthermore, Canadian family offices are diligently allocating over 50% of their capital toward investments that generate not only financial returns but also measurable social or environmental impacts. This alignment with national priorities like productivity, innovation, and affordable housing underscores a crucial shift in investment strategies. The appeal of such investments extends beyond Canada’s borders, with family offices worldwide increasingly directing their capital toward private equity, startups, or M&A ventures, which account for 70% of their international activities.

In terms of investment diversification, the report revealed that 69% of Canadian family offices opted for real estate investments. This strategic choice likely reflects a recognition of emerging opportunities for expanding their investment portfolios across different sectors.

The intricate ties between the United States and Canada have been instrumental in the sustenance and growth of Canadian exporters in the US market, owing in part to Canada’s advantageous position with relatively lower tariffs compared to nations like China. The ongoing negotiations between the two countries, aligned with Canada’s evolving economic vision, hold promise for further solidifying Canada’s trade relations with the United States. Canada’s current emphasis on fostering a stronger, self-reliant economy is anticipated to foster a more mutually beneficial and less dependent relationship with the US based on shared interests.

PwC Canada outlined several policy priorities that underpin Canada’s new economic vision, encompassing streamlining regulations, embarking on large-scale infrastructure projects, augmenting investments in defense and Arctic development, dismantling interprovincial trade barriers, accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence, and reforming the immigration system to attract highly skilled professionals to Canada. These initiatives are designed to enhance productivity and competitiveness, enabling Canada to actively participate in North American supply chains and innovation ecosystems.

While Canadian organizations completed 996 deals valued at $134 billion from January to May 2025, the report also noted a decrease in inbound and locally sourced transactions within Canada. PwC Canada predicts a modest GDP growth rate of under 1% for Canada in 2025, contingent upon the efficacy of early policy initiatives in addressing productivity and competition concerns.

The remarkable growth of Canadian family offices in the investment landscape, coupled with Canada’s strategic economic initiatives, signals a promising outlook for the country’s economic future. Through prudent investments, policy reforms, and collaboration with key stakeholders, Canada is poised to enhance its economic resilience and competitiveness on both national and international fronts.