Finance News by Forvis Mazars February 2026

Fri | 27.02.2026

Accounting/audit/tax

Forvis Mazars study: large-cap transactions defined CEE dealmaking in 2025

Forvis Mazars released its annual CEE M&A report, prepared in association with Mergermarket. The findings reveal that M&A activity in the CEE region did relatively well in 2025 in terms of overall disclosed deal value, though a decline in transaction volume demonstrates the significant geopolitical headwinds and challenging global market conditions it faced.

Romania remained one of the region’s most active M&A markets in 2025, ranking third in CEE by deal volume, with 154 transactions announced. While this represents a 32% year-on-year decline from an exceptionally strong 2024, the market continues to demonstrate depth and resilience, underlining its growing maturity within the regional dealmaking landscape.

“In value terms, Romanian transactions totalled approximately €2.3bn in 2025, placing the country seventh in the region. The year’s standout deal was the €1bn acquisition of Regina Maria (Centrul Medical Unirea) by Finland-based Mehiläinen, marking one of the largest healthcare transactions in CEE and a successful exit for private equity investors MidEuropa and Blue Sea Capital. It clearly demonstrates that Romania has built a strong base of scalable, entrepreneurial companies capable of attracting substantial international capital. This level of transaction confirms the growing maturity and credibility of the local market.”, mentioned Răzvan Butucaru, Partner, Financial Services & Advisory Leader, Forvis Mazars in Romania.

C-suite barometer 2026: business success now hinges on adaptability

Uncertainty is now the norm. It is the backdrop against which strategic decisions are made, shaped by economic shifts and influenced by rapid advancements in technology. Yet the results that have emerged in this year’s C-suite barometer, launched by Forvis Mazars, reveal little hesitation from leaders. They are revising their approach and accelerating plans with significant investments. This adaptability will not only be a competitive edge but the currency for thriving strategies and growth as we head confidently into 2026.

Romanian business leaders remain notably optimistic for 2026, with 86% of C-suite executives expecting growth, slightly below the 92% reported globally and down marginally from 90% in 2025. While confidence is strong locally, Romanian executives are more cautious than their global peers, reflecting the economic and operational pressures unique to the region.

Forvis Mazars ranked #3 among CEE Transaction Services and #8th worldwide in 2025

Forvis Mazars has secured the 3rd position in Central & Eastern Europe by number of successful Transaction Services projects advised, based on the ‘Mergermarket CEE Accountant League Table 2025’.

At global level, they ranked 8th by number of successful deals advised.

Sell-side advisory: Your strategic partner for business exit

Selling your company is a defining moment. Whether you're planning an exit, raising growth capital, or moving to your next chapter, timing and preparation are everything.

At Forvis Mazars, their tailored M&A advisory services guide you through every stage of the sale process - maximising value and ensuring a smooth transaction. The real question isn’t if you should sell, but when and how to do it right.

See how prepared your business really is.

Forvis Mazars in Romania strengthens leadership with four new Director appointments

As of 1 September 2025, Leonard Pascu joined the company as Director, M&A Advisory. As of 1 January 2026, Cristina Georgescu was promoted to Director, Outsourcing - Accounting, while Iulian Condrea and Marius Pirpiliu were appointed as Directors within the Audit & Assurance department.

These appointments underscore Forvis Mazars in Romania’s commitment to strengthening leadership capabilities and delivering high-quality services to its clients. By combining strategic external hires with the development of internal talent, the firm continues to support sustainable growth and long-term value creation across the markets it serves.

Sick leave 2026: major legislative changes and the first visible effects in payroll data

Over the past six months, the legislation governing sick leave and related allowances has been amended repeatedly, at a pace rarely seen in recent years.

The new regulations directly affect both employees’ income and employers’ operational processes and budgets, particularly through changes to the calculation method for ordinary sick leave allowances and the introduction of one unpaid sick leave day.

For many companies, these adjustments have raised questions regarding internal communication, payroll system updates and cost forecasting. Based on internal analyses conducted for organisations with high volumes of medical certificates, Forvis Mazars’ experts outline the main changes and the trends already observed.

In the coming period, companies will need to determine their approach - namely, whether they will cover the cost of this unpaid day. It will be necessary to carefully analyse the situations and conditions under which they may decide to pay the first day of sick leave, in order to avoid the risk of discrimination.

Preparing for what's next: clarity in an age of uncertainty

Uncertainty is the new norm and adaptability is now a critical success factor for leaders in 2026. Insights from Forvis Mazars’ latest C-suite barometer highlight how leaders are reassessing both the challenges they face and the priorities they set.

These insights reveal the strategies leaders are taking to make informed decisions and maintain clarity - even when the future is uncertain. They also form the foundation of Forvis Mazars’ brand campaign, which brings these findings to life and explores how organisations can move forward with confidence.

HR & payroll guide

With changing labour regulations and growing expectations around transparency and benefits, managing HR and payroll has never been more complex. That’s why, Forvis Mazars’ experts have created their HR & Payroll Guide - designed to help businesses turn complexity into clarity.

Inside, you’ll find practical insights on labour contracts, working hours and overtime, time-off policies, accurate salary payments, the EU Pay Transparency Directive and designing competitive benefits packages - all with compliance and employee wellbeing in mind.

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This article is provided by our Finance Partner, Forvis Mazars Romania.

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