Global M&A stays strong in 2026 despite tightest capital squeeze in 30 years
CNBC: Global M&A boom continues into 2026.
In 2026, the M&A market remains robust as companies reassess portfolios and AI-led demand drives large-scale transactions. Despite a tightening capital pool, executives are optimistic about sustained or increased deal activity this year. Companies are focusing on reinventing themselves to stay ahead of technological disruption and shifting profit pools. Goldman Sachs dominated the global M&A ranking last year, advising on a record-breaking number of mega-deals. The funding squeeze is compelling executives to pursue only deals with clear returns, pushing private capital to the forefront of dealmaking. Blockbuster deals fueled by AI-related demand are driving the resurgence in M&A, with a focus on acquiring rather than building across the technology stack. The heavy capital spending in AI may constrain M&A activity in the near term as companies redirect investments towards data centers and infrastructure.
