From April 29 to May 1, 2026, WTW brought together some of the sharpest minds in M&A and private equity in New Orleans for The Big Deal 2026. The conference drew cross-functional leaders and industry participants from across the deal ecosystem — investors, advisors, underwriters, transactional risk specialists and legal counsel — to examine what's driving transactions today, where risk lies and how the most competitive dealmakers are positioning themselves for success.
See what our 2026 event entailed and get ready for the Big Deal 2027!
Key themes and sessions
Across two days of discussion, a consistent theme emerged: the deal landscape in 2026 is more complex, more competitive and more consequential than ever — and the firms navigating it successfully are those bringing greater sophistication to every stage of the process.
Conversations ranged from deal origination and structuring to risk allocation, portfolio management and exit strategy. Participants examined how capital deployment decisions are evolving in an environment where billions of dollars in undeployed private equity sits alongside tighter scrutiny on returns. The role of transactional risk tools — from representations and warranties insurance to tax liability solutions — featured prominently, reflecting a market in which risk transfer has become central to competitive deal execution rather than a closing formality.
Exit pathways and fund structure also generated significant discussion, with continuation funds drawing particular attention as a mainstream strategy for sponsors seeking flexibility at the end of the investment lifecycle. Threaded throughout was a clear-eyed assessment of the macro environment and what it means for deal value, timing and resilience.
Speaker highlights
Our panel sessions brought together a powerful cross-section of industry voices:
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The conversations that defined The Big Deal 2026 don't stop here. Explore WTW's latest M&A and private equity insights to stay ahead of the trends shaping the deal landscape — and discover how our people, risk and capital expertise can help you make your next transaction count.
Disclaimer
WTW hopes you found the general information provided here informative and helpful. The information contained herein is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with your own legal advisors. In the event you would like more information regarding your insurance coverage, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. In North America, WTW offers insurance products through licensed entities, including Willis Towers Watson Northeast, Inc. (in the United States) and Willis Canada Inc. (in Canada).
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