EY-Parthenon Predicts 8 Percent Growth in US M&A for 2026

EY announced in a press release that its EY-Parthenon practice projects an 8 percent rise in US mergers and acquisitions exceeding 100 million dollars in 2026. The forecast, based on the EY-Parthenon Deal Barometer, attributes the growth to companies seeking AI readiness and stronger market positions.

Corporate transactions are expected to increase by 11 percent, while private equity deal volume is projected to remain flat. The first quarter of 2026 showed a 22 percent year-over-year surge in corporate deals and an 11 percent decline in private equity activity. EY notes that large strategic transactions are driving resilience as companies adapt to changing economic conditions.

According to the firm, 65 percent of US CEOs plan to use mergers and acquisitions to gain access to technology, talent, and operational capabilities, while 46 percent expect to pursue divestments to streamline operations. Private equity investors are focusing on asset-intensive sectors such as energy and infrastructure to manage risks tied to sustained high interest rates.

The Deal Barometer integrates EY’s US macroeconomic outlook with real-time transaction data to project future trends in corporate and private equity deal activity for large US transactions.