The big picture: Dealmaking is being used to sharpen strategic positioning and reinforce long-term advantage, not simply to add scale.

Key motivations for deals include expansion into new markets, strengthening core businesses, and acquiring technological capabilities and talent.
The recovery is uneven across regions. U.S.-based organizations report the highest expected deal volumes, while activity in EMEA and APAC is more measured, creating a "multi-speed market."

By the numbers: The report is based on a survey of 700 senior M&A decision-makers.

Most respondents anticipate deal sizes will remain concentrated below US$1 billion.
50% expect moderate to significant growth in carve-out activity over the next 12–24 months.
66% of organizations report at least early efficiency gains from using generative AI in market analysis, though fewer than one in four call these gains "significant."

Zoom in: Corporate carve-outs are moving from a tactical divestiture tool to a central component of portfolio strategy.

Companies are increasingly using separations to simplify their operating models, unlock capital for reinvestment, and sharpen their strategic focus on core advantages.

Between the lines: The adoption of AI is shifting the basis of competitive advantage in the dealmaking process.

AI is being integrated into the early stages of the deal lifecycle, supporting screening, market analysis, and risk identification.
The report suggests that as AI provides deeper analytical capacity, the advantage will shift from speed alone to "durable conviction"—the confidence to commit capital based on more rigorous modeling and earlier risk assessment.

See the full 2026 Global M&A Outlook report here:

SURVEY: Global M&A Rebounds with Focus on Carve-outs and AI