Switzerland has secured the top position in the new Eight Competitiveness Report 2025, placing first among 58 evaluated economies. The country outperforms others across four core pillars of national strength: Economics, Society, Education and Sustainability.

As artificial intelligence accelerates across industries, the demand for European data centres is entering a new era of growth. Our latest whitepaper, “European Data Centres: Powering growth in the age of AI,” reveals how Europe is mobilising more than €350 billion to triple its data centre capacity by 2032. This unprecedented expansion brings enormous opportunities, but also complex operational, regulatory, and energy-related challenges.

Business Services, contributing 23% to the EU’s output, face ongoing disruption from crises such as the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and growing political and trade tensions, leaving 65% of executives concerned about geopolitical risks. As costs rise and supply chains strain, companies are prioritizing resilience and revisiting location strategies. Eight International’s 2025 white paper, “Challenges & Lessons Learnt from a World in Perma-Crisis,” shares insights from 82 organizations across 10 countries, representing over 1 million employees and €125 billion in revenue.

We are proudly announcing the merger of Eight Advisory with New Deal Advisors S.p.A. (NDA), both long-standing partners within our alliance. This strategic integration further strengthens our presence in Italy and enhances our capacity to deliver cross-border advisory services.

Ensuring success in international mergers and acquisitions requires a deep understanding of the differences between Europe and the United States. Like any long journey, cross-border M&A calls for thorough preparation, flexibility, and the right advisors by your side. Our professionals support investors and dealmakers across the Atlantic every day.

Import tariffs are playing an increasingly pivotal role in international economic policy, especially as geopolitical tensions intensify. Once primarily aimed at shielding local industries, tariffs are now also used as strategic tools in wider policy discussions. The renewed focus on tariff measures could have enduring consequences for global supply chains, business and consumer sentiment, and overall economic performance – shaping both corporate operations and valuation models.

A year after the first White Paper, by Eight Advisory, our international arm, political momentum has accelerated, but investment standards remain a major hurdle. While Eastern Europe ramps up unprecedented defence commitments, investors are still steering clear of the sector. The question is: how do we mobilise capital to support Europe’s security ambitions?

As part of Eight International, McGrathNicol and DH Advisory will support other member firms and their clients on Australian and Middle East-related matters, whilst being able to offer a truly international offering to its clients.

We are a truly global independent organisation of more than 3600 Transactions, Restructuring and Operational Transformation experts, including over 160 partners in more than 30 countries

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We Solve Problems, Not Provide Services And Strive To Understand Your Unique Challenges
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