The State of Global M&A:
LSEG Deals Intelligence Insights
Report | The State of Global M&A 2026
A tale of two markets
Q1 2026 marked a turning point for global M&A, one defined not by uniform recovery, but by widening divergence across size, geography, and timing. In the latest edition of the State of Global M&A, we unpack the important shifts defining global deal making activity in Q1. Access the report today to understand how deal momentum is being fuelled, the impact the Middle Eastern conflict is having on the AI-driven deal race, and what rising oil prices mean for global M&A transactions and rising mega-deals.
Insights include:
- A deep dive into mega-deal activity, and how Q1 delivered a top-heavy recovery with mid-market activity stalling pushing deal volumes to an 11-year low.
- The regional winners and divergence across global deal making with US dominance holding firm and Asia-Pacific falling behind.
- What the AI hype to risk reset means for early-quarter momentum, fuelled by strategic capital allocations, geopolitical shocks and rising oil prices.
- A forward-looking view for 2026 and the signals showing a more selective and defensive deal making environment.
To find out more how Workspace can empower your workflows, explore our latest Deals Intelligence reports here.
Authors
Matthew Toole
Director Deals Intelligence
Elaine Tan
Senior Manager, Deals Intelligence
Lucille Jones
Senior Manager, Deals Intelligence
Vianca Sanchez
Analyst, Deals Intelligence
