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European class action risk intensifies as filings rebound and claim values reach record highs. The latest CMS European Class Action Report, now in its sixth edition, highlights how Europe's class action landscape continues to expand in scale, value and complexity. This year's report reveals a renewed increase in collective litigation activity, with 107 class actions filed across Europe in 2025, up from 99 the previous year. Among the key findings: - The value of class actions continues to rise: The combined value of opt-out claims in the UK, the Netherlands and Portugal reached EUR 203bn, up from EUR 173bn in 2024. - Technology, data and AI are emerging as major class action risk areas: New claims against Big Tech companies were a significant driver of claim value growth, highlighting the increasing litigation risks associated with digital markets, data and emerging technologies. - Consumer and competition claims remain dominant: These claims accounted for 37% of all European class action filings in 2025, ahead of product liability/personal injury and data protection claims. As collective redress mechanisms mature and claim values continue to grow, understanding the evolving European class action landscape has never been more important. Read the CMS European Class Action Report 2026 here: https://lnkd.in/e8dZfNJh Key contacts: Kenny Henderson, Paola Ghezzi, Rita Gouveia, Dr. Peter Wende, LL.M., Anna Cudna-Wagner, Daniel Keating, Simon C. Polkerman, Douglas Campbell, Alex Danchenko and Sobhi El Saleh.

European dealmakers are looking ahead with renewed confidence, even as familiar pressures persist. The new CMS European M&A Outlook 2027 finds that 64% of respondents expect activity to rise over the next 12 months. Digitalisation is driving acquisition plans, distressed opportunities remain firmly in view and sellers are preparing for a possible pick-up in valuations. Yet the road to a deal is not getting easier. Inflation, interest rates, financing challenges and the valuation gap between buyers and sellers continue to shape decisions. Overseas interest, particularly from US buyers, and more flexible deal structures could help maintain momentum. Explore the findings in our video below and visit this link to get your free copy of the report: https://lnkd.in/eD8RNuci If you would like to discuss the findings or what they may mean for your business, please do get in touch with our team: Helen Rodwell and Alexander Rakosi.

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The EU Pharmaceutical Package represents the most comprehensive reform of EU pharmaceutical legislation in more than two decades. To help organisations stay ahead of these developments, we have launched a dedicated EU Pharma Package Insight Hub, bringing together CMS analysis, practical guidance and events from our sector specialists across Europe. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/ewBWx6TZ Key contacts: Gabriela Staber, Dr. Imme Kley, Amelie Chollet

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