Buy Side M&a -

: Buyers are moving away from acquiring simply for size; instead, 73% of incremental deal value is now focused on acquiring new capabilities, particularly AI integration and digital infrastructure.

: KPMG predicts 2026 will be defined by carve-outs, as 50% of respondents expect to use separations to simplify operating models and unlock capital for reinvestment. Sector Leaders :

: AI has moved from a "buzzword" to mandatory due diligence; buyers now use AI-driven synergy forecasting to achieve up to 90% accuracy in value modeling. buy side m&a

: Continues to attract the highest deal values, especially in AI-related infrastructure like data centers.

: Identified by advisors as a top-performing sector for 2026 due to low reliance on volatile supply chains. Buyer Priorities & Risks : Buyers are moving away from acquiring simply

: A sharp divergence has emerged where large, well-capitalized buyers are driving megadeals (over $5B), while the mid-market remains constrained by valuation gaps and execution risks.

: Seeing a surge in consolidation, particularly in the Middle East and the fragmented US banking market. : Continues to attract the highest deal values,

The highlights a resurgent buy-side market, with global deal values reaching $4.7 trillion in late 2025, driven by an urgent need for business reinvention through AI and geographic expansion. Key Buy-Side Trends for 2026