ever recorded. Bain’s survey of 300 senior dealmakers shows that 80% expect activity to hold steady or increase in 2026, supported by easing macroeconomic pressures and a large pipeline of private equity and venture capital assets approaching exit. 

Suzanne Kumar, Executive Vice President in Bain’s global M&A practice, stated, “The ingredients are in place for another robust year in M&A following last year’s near-record rebound.” Companies, she added, face growing pressure to adapt their portfolios as legacy growth models lose traction.

Bain finds that technology disruption, geopolitical fragmentation, and shifting profit pools are reshaping deal strategy. Artificial intelligence already features in nearly half of technology transactions and is spreading rapidly across non-tech sectors, while 45% of executives reported using AI tools in M&A during 2025. “AI is quickly becoming indispensable to M&A,” Kumar noted, highlighting its role across sourcing, diligence, and integration. At the same time, higher competition for capital raises the bar for transactions, prompting companies to rely on disciplined M&A, divestitures, and clearer capital allocation to drive reinvention in 2026.

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