Despite persistent geopolitical and regulatory hurdles, a majority of global business leaders expect a surge in M&A activity this year. Companies are shifting toward disciplined, strategy-driven transactions, particularly in the AI sector, to navigate the current economic landscape.
After a period of significant disruption, the global M&A landscape is showing clear signs of a rebound. According to recent industry reports, 52% of global business leaders anticipate an increase in dealmaking activity throughout 2026. This is a marked improvement from the previous year, where only 38% of executives expected growth in transactions.
The current wave of M&A is characterized by a return to disciplined, strategy-driven transactions. Rather than speculative growth, companies are focusing on targeted investments, particularly in artificial intelligence and other high-growth technology sectors. This shift is supported by strong corporate fundamentals, even as geopolitical tensions and regulatory uncertainty remain at the forefront of boardroom discussions.
Regional data suggests that the United States and Europe will lead this uptick in activity. Approximately 48% of respondents expect a significant increase in U.S. deal volume, while 43% anticipate similar trends in Europe. These regions remain the primary hubs for capital deployment as firms look to consolidate market share and acquire critical technological capabilities.
While the outlook is positive, dealmakers are adapting their approaches to mitigate risk. This includes more sophisticated financing structures and a heightened focus on regulatory compliance. As companies continue to navigate these challenges, the ability to execute complex deals will likely become a key differentiator for corporate performance in the second half of the year.