Global Market: M&A hits record $2.8 trillion in H1 2026 as mega-deals dominate activity

Global M&A deal value reached a record $2.8 trillion in H1 2026, up 48% year-on-year and the highest since LSEG began tracking in 1980, even as transaction count fell 9% to around 24,000. Mega-deals above $10 billion hit an all-time high with 47 transactions worth over $1.3 trillion, driven by corporate confidence, abundant financing, and easing regulatory hurdles. Technology led sector activity at $649 billion, while cross-border deals surged 62% to $893 billion, with bankers expecting momentum to continue through the year.