2026 M﹠A Outlook: Mega-Trends Impacting M&A Now and in the Future
Mega Trends Impacting M&A Now and in the Future: The fifth and final installment of our 2026 M&A Outlook focuses on the mega-trends reshaping dealmaking across sectors. Dealmakers point to a set of slow-moving, but powerful shifts redefining how capital is deployed. From the rapid growth of family office capital and generational wealth transfers to a rising share of transactions happening outside the traditional sponsor-auction playbook, these mega-trends will shape the M&A market in 2026 and the years beyond.
Mergers & Acquisitions presents its week-long special series: The 2026 M&A Outlook. Throughout the series, more than 50 dealmakers and advisors from across the M&A ecosystem share how they’re thinking about the year ahead — from dealmaking conditions and financing markets to exits, fundraising and the macro forces shaping how capital is put to work.
2026 M&A Outlook Schedule
Friday, December 26: The Economy & Top Macro Concerns
Monday, December 29: Outlooks on Dealflow, Lending, Exits and Fundraising
Tuesday, December 30: The Impact of AI on Dealmaking
Wednesday, December 31: Sector Analysis
Business ServicesConsumer & RetailEnergyFIGHealthcareIndustrialsReal EstateTech-Enabled ServicesTechnology, Media & TelecomFRIDAY, JANUARY 2: MEGA-TRENDS IMPACTING M&A NOW AND IN THE FUTURE