US Dealmaking to Grow 8% in 2026 as Corporate M&A Outpaces Private Equity
Event summary
- EY-Parthenon forecasts an 8% increase in US deal volume for transactions over $100M in 2026.
- Corporate M&A deal volume is projected to rise 11%, while private equity deal volume remains flat.
- 73% of leaders report geopolitical and economic factors impacting growth strategies.
- 65% of US CEOs are pursuing M&A to accelerate access to technology and talent.
- Private equity investors are shifting focus to asset-heavy sectors like energy and infrastructure.
The big picture
EY-Parthenon's forecast highlights a divergence between corporate M&A and private equity dealmaking, with corporate strategies increasingly focused on large, strategic transactions to bolster resilience. The 8% projected growth in US deal volume reflects a broader trend of companies leveraging M&A to secure AI-ready capabilities and strengthen market positioning, despite geopolitical and economic challenges. The shift in private equity toward asset-heavy sectors underscores the sector's response to higher interest rates and valuation pressures.
What we're watching
- Corporate M&A Momentum
- Whether the 11% projected growth in corporate M&A can be sustained amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.
- Private Equity Selectivity
- How private equity firms' shift toward selective, conviction-driven deals will impact deal volume and sector allocation.
- AI-Driven Dealmaking
- The pace at which AI adoption will drive strategic transactions and reshape corporate priorities.
Related topics