Global Dealmakers Expect M&A Rebound as AI Reshapes Transaction Execution — Evening Brief – 06.30.26
Global mergers and acquisitions activity is poised to accelerate during the second half of 2026 as improving market conditions boost confidence among corporate executives, private equity investors and financial advisors, according to the latest SS&C Intralinks Global M&A Dealmakers Sentiment Report.
The survey, conducted in partnership with Reuters Events, gathered responses from more than 400 professionals in corporate development, private equity and advisory roles. While respondents remain cautious about financing conditions and geopolitical risks, most expect transaction activity to strengthen over the coming months, with artificial intelligence increasingly playing a central role in deal execution.
Sixty percent of respondents expect M&A and financing activity to increase during the next six months, while 29% anticipate slower market conditions. Confidence is also improving at the individual firm level, with 43% expecting to work on four or more transactions in the second half of the year and another 22% anticipating participation in one to three deals.
“Dealmakers are demonstrating renewed confidence in H2 2026, with more than half expecting increased M&A activity as volatility and market conditions normalize,” said Ken Bisconti, head of SS&C Intralinks, adding that there are “fundamental shifts in how capital is deployed.”
The report also points to renewed interest in larger transactions. Nearly one-third of respondents expect to pursue acquisitions valued above $10 billion, while 43% foresee similar-sized opportunities in debt capital financing.
Despite the improving outlook, dealmakers continue to identify legal and regulatory challenges, geopolitical uncertainty and access to financing as the primary barriers to completing transactions. More than half, or 53%, believe obtaining financing is more difficult in 2026 than it was a year earlier.
Technology is becoming an increasingly important competitive advantage. Eighty-one percent of respondents already incorporate artificial intelligence into some stage of the deal process, while 30% are investing in internal AI and data capabilities. Respondents also cited improved information governance and AI-driven workflow automation as key drivers of faster, more efficient deal execution.
“Organizations are increasingly pursuing transactions that deliver technological capabilities, operational synergies and geographic expansion simultaneously, focusing on a holistic approach to value creation,” Bisconti said. “To win such transformative deals, more firms are embracing technology and AI to improve deal execution and stand out.”