Global M&A Dealmakers See Strategic Opportunities in 2026: Sentiment Report

The SS&C Intralinks H1 2026 Global M&A Dealmakers Sentiment Report, conducted in collaboration with Reuters Events, surveyed over 400 M&A professionals worldwide. The findings indicate a mixed outlook for the M&A landscape, characterized by both opportunities and challenges. Bob Petrocchi, Co-Head of SS&C Intralinks, emphasized the importance of strategic positioning in navigating current uncertainties.

Notably, 45% of respondents anticipate an uptick in M&A and financing activities in the next six months, while 34% foresee a slowdown. Key impediments to deal-making include increased capital costs, market volatility, regulatory uncertainties, and geopolitical issues. Despite these hurdles, the majority of dealmakers expect to see postponed transactions resume within a year.

The report highlights a focus on middle-market deals, with nearly half of the participants targeting transactions below USD 2 billion, contrasting with only 36% eyeing larger deals above USD 10 billion. Private equity firms are particularly interested in recession-resistant sectors, with a significant portion planning investments in Healthcare (53%), Utilities (53%), and Defense (41%). Furthermore, 56% of respondents indicated investments aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, with cloud computing and AI emerging as priorities.

Geographically, Europe is expected to lead in increased M&A activity, as firms seek to finalize transactions before potential regulatory and tax constraints tighten. Additional drivers for M&A include supply chain optimization and enhancing market share.

SS&C Intralinks has facilitated over USD 35 trillion in financial transactions, reflecting its critical role in the M&A process. SS&C Technologies, headquartered in Windsor, Connecticut, provides essential services and software solutions for the financial and healthcare industries globally.

The SS&C Intralinks H1 2026 Global M&A Dealmakers Sentiment Report reveals an evolving landscape ripe with strategic opportunities for M&A professionals. The sentiment among participants indicates that while challenges like increased capital costs and market volatility persist, there is an optimistic outlook toward a resurgence in deal activity over the next six months.

Key insights from the report reveal that nearly half of the surveyed dealmakers anticipate an uptick in M&A and financing activity, particularly in the middle-market segment, where transactions are expected to be below $2 billion. This suggests that firms are becoming increasingly selective, focusing on recession-resistant sectors such as Healthcare, Utilities, and Defense. In fact, operational efficiency and technology investments—especially in cloud computing and AI—are top priorities for 56% of respondents. These strategic focuses align with lessons learned from previous market cycles, as dealmakers aim to preemptively navigate shifts in regulatory conditions and market dynamics.

For investors and stakeholders looking at the M&A landscape, a proactive approach is advisable. Identifying and positioning investments within these defensive sectors could yield significant long-term benefits. Additionally, the emphasis on operational efficiency opens up avenues for firms to strengthen their value propositions and competitive edges, particularly ahead of potential regulatory disruptions.

Furthermore, as geopolitical risks and market fluctuations continue to loom, maintaining agility and an adaptive strategy will be crucial. With a significant majority of dealmakers expecting postponed transactions to resume within the next year, the readiness to act decisively as opportunities arise will distinguish successful players in this competitive field.

Overall, the findings underscore a market shift towards strategic maneuvers, giving an indication for investors to reassess their allocations and seek potential partnerships in resilient sectors.