Global M&A Dealmakers See Strategic Opportunities in 2026: Sentiment Report

Key Terms

private equity financial

Private equity involves investing money directly into private companies or buying out public companies to make them private, with the goal of improving their performance and increasing their value over time. For investors, it offers an opportunity to earn returns by helping companies grow or restructure, often requiring a longer-term commitment and a higher level of involvement than typical stock investments.

private credit financial

Private credit is a form of borrowing where companies or organizations obtain loans directly from private lenders rather than traditional banks or financial markets. It often involves customized financing arrangements that are not traded publicly, making it a way for businesses to access funding outside of standard channels. For investors, private credit offers the potential for higher returns, but typically comes with increased risk and less liquidity compared to more conventional investments.

virtual data room technical

A virtual data room is a secure online repository where companies store and share confidential documents during transactions like mergers, fundraising or audits. It matters to investors because it lets potential buyers or backers review sensitive information quickly while the owner controls who sees what and when—think of it as a locked filing cabinet with security cameras, access logs and timed permissions that speed due diligence and reduce the risk of leaks.

cloud computing technical

Cloud computing is the use of remote computers and data centers accessed over the internet to store data, run software, and handle computing tasks instead of keeping those resources on local machines. For investors it matters because companies that use or provide cloud services can scale faster, cut upfront costs, and convert one‑time purchases into steady subscription revenue, much like renting a flexible workshop instead of buying and maintaining your own tools.

AI technical

Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that enables machines to mimic human thinking and learning, allowing them to analyze information, recognize patterns, and make decisions. For investors, AI matters because it can improve how businesses operate, create new products, or identify opportunities faster and more accurately than humans alone, potentially impacting company success and market trends.

SS&C survey of 400 global M&A professionals signals dealmakers see opportunities to reallocate dry powder

WINDSOR, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSNC) today announced the publication of the SS&C Intralinks H1 2026 Global M&A Dealmakers Sentiment Report. In association with Reuters Events, SS&C Intralinks surveyed more than 400 global M&A dealmakers from private equity, advisory and corporate backgrounds to understand market challenges and opportunities.

"Today’s market landscape presents both formidable challenges and extraordinary opportunities for those prepared to navigate uncertainty with strategic precision," said Bob Petrocchi, Co-Head of SS&C Intralinks. "Early 2026 will favor strategic thinking, positioning and precise timing. Our research shows dealmakers are being more selective, positioning toward defensive sectors and prioritizing operational efficiency, reflecting lessons learned from recent market cycles.”

Key findings from the report include:

• 45% expect to see increased M&A and financing activity over the next six months, while 34% expect activity to lag in H1 2026.
• While deal delays and the challenges of deploying dry powder continue to proliferate, a significant majority of respondents expect postponed transactions to restart within 12 months.
• Increased cost of capital is the most cited reason behind deal delays, followed by market volatility, regulatory uncertainty and geopolitical risk.
• Middle-market deals are drawing most interest, with nearly half of the M&A respondents expecting to undertake transactions under USD 2 billion. Only 36% expect to work on deals above USD 10 billion.
• Private equity firms are favoring recession-proof sectors, with 53% of respondents expecting to deploy dry powder in sectors such as Healthcare and Utilities. Private credit also continues to draw interest (43%), as does the Defense sector (41%).

The report also highlights dealmaker priorities in the current environment:

• 56% are making investments to increase operational efficiency, including cloud computing and AI.
• 49% are expanding into new geographical markets. Most expect activity to increase in Europe.
• Dealmakers are focused on completing transactions before regulatory and tax conditions tighten. Other drivers of near-term M&A and financing activity include supply chain optimization, streamlining the organization and increasing market share.

Click here to read the full report.

SS&C Intralinks is a pioneer of the virtual data room, delivering AI-enabled services across the entire deal lifecycle, including deal marketing, deal prep, due diligence, insights and post-merger integration. Intralinks technology enables and secures the flow of information by facilitating M&A, capital raising and investor reporting. SS&C Intralinks has executed more than USD 35 trillion worth of financial transactions on its platform.

About SS&C Technologies

SS&C is a global provider of services and software for the financial services and healthcare industries. Founded in 1986, SS&C is headquartered in Windsor, Connecticut, and has offices around the world. More than 23,000 financial services and healthcare organizations, from the world's largest companies to small and mid-market firms, rely on SS&C for expertise, scale and technology.

Additional information about
SS&C (Nasdaq: SSNC) is available at www.ssctech.com.

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For more information

Brian Schell

Chief Financial Officer

SS&C Technologies

Tel: +1-816-642-0915

Email: InvestorRelations@sscinc.com

Justine Stone

Investor Relations

SS&C Technologies

Tel: +1-212-367-4705

Email: InvestorRelations@sscinc.com

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Source: SS&C