On 20 November 2025, the annual Mergers and Acquisitions in Russia Forum took place. This year, the Forum brought together over 240 M&A professionals — including representatives of regulatory bodies, businesses, and lawyers — to discuss current challenges and trends in the M&A market. The event provided a key platform for M&A professionals, with discussions held in a private and exclusive format.
The Forum programme included 5 thematic sessions with 35 speakers, covering:
- a general overview of the M&A market in 2025;
- new regulatory aspects of M&A deal structuring;
- the use of international companies, mutual funds, and private foundations in M&A transactions;
- current post-transaction challenges in establishing joint ventures; and
- the use of artificial intelligence in M&A deals.
Stonebridge Legal played an active role in organising the Forum and moderated the session dedicated to the use of artificial intelligence in M&A legal practice. The discussion focused on the application of AI at all stages of a deal — from target identification and due diligence to negotiations and structuring.
Participants noted that numerous routine tasks in M&A transactions can and should be optimised using modern tools, following the example of international law firms. This approach will make lawyers’ work more efficient and faster, free them from technical tasks, and allow them to focus on more complex analytical project work.
The Forum was organised by a Planning Committee comprising partners from leading M&A law firms: Stonebridge Legal, ALRUD, Nikolskaya Consulting, Orion, and KPMG.
Read more on the Forum’s website.