Global M&A activity reaches record levels in first half of 2026, driven by mega-deals

Global merger and acquisition activity hit record levels in the first half of 2026, with the total value of M&A reaching US$2.85 trillion, a 50% increase from the same period last year and the highest first-half total on record, according to LSEG Data & Analytics. This surge was primarily driven by 48 'mega' deals, each valued at US$10 billion or more, totaling US$1.3 trillion. The U.S. market led globally, accounting for US$1.5 trillion of the deal activity, an 80% increase from the first half of 2025. The technology sector was the top source of M&A, representing almost a quarter of the deal value.