Dykema’s 2026 M&A Outlook Survey revealed that half of dealmakers expect a stronger M&A market over the next 12 months. Last year, that figure was three in four.
- Economic uncertainty (49%), valuation gaps (47%), and financing costs (46%) are the biggest obstacles to closing deals
- Nearly two-thirds expect tariffs to delay or restructure cross-border transactions
- Data centers and digital infrastructure now lead the list of sectors expected to see the most activity
- 63% see AI’s greatest value in due diligence, though accuracy and over-reliance top the list of concerns
But behind every number is a bigger story about where the deal market is headed. For 22 years, Dykema has tracked the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping M&A.
Dive into Dykema’s full report for an in-depth analysis of the trends shaping dealmaking activity across key industries, and a look at what Dykema attorneys are watching in the year ahead. https://ma-outlook.dykema.com/