NEW YORK, December 3, 2025 — Global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) outclassed companies not involved in dealmaking during the first nine months of this year, according to leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, WTW’s (NASDAQ: WTW) research based on share price performance[1]. In partnership with the M&A Research Centre at Bayes Business School, the data shows that the M&A market is on track to achieve its best performing year since the dealmaking boom that followed the pandemic slowdown, paving the way for a stronger year ahead.
5 M&A trends for 2026
Pent-up demand, stock market highs and steady interest rates have fuelled a surge in M&A activity that gives buyers hope of a strong finish to 2025. David Dean, Managing Director, M&A Consulting at WTW, looks at five key trends companies should track for 2026:
Next year, large-scale M&A will be underpinned by a drive to de-conglomerate in order to ‘buy and build’ in the pursuit of portfolio optimisation”David DeanManaging Director, M&A Consulting
Dean said: “The M&A outlook is optimistic, with forecasts indicating increased activity driven by larger deals focused on scale, innovation and market expansion. While volatility remains a persistent challenge and CEOs should be prepared to plan longer timelines, history shows that periods of turbulence can offer the greatest potential to create value.”
About WTW M&A
WTW’s M&A practice combines our expertise in risk and human capital to offer a full range of M&A services and solutions covering all stages of the M&A process. We have particular expertise in the areas of planning, due diligence, risk transfer and post transaction integration, areas that define the success of any transaction.
About WTW
At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.
Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.
Footnote
- Based on share price performance, WTW M&A research shows that dealmakers outclassed companies not involved in M&A activities by +4.1pp (percentage points) during the first nine months of 2025. Return to article
