Wall Street anticipates another year of massive deals after a record-breaking 2025 with 68 transactions exceeding $10 billion each. Global M&A volume surged, with an average transaction size of $227 million, the highest since 1980, indicating CEO and boardroom confidence.

High-profile deals in 2025 included Netflix’s $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and Union Pacific’s $72 billion merger with Norfolk Southern. Electronic Arts also announced a $55 billion deal to go private, showcasing private capital’s increasing role in major transactions.

Despite concerns about President Trump’s tariff regime, dealmaking remained steady, even during Thanksgiving. Bank of America’s Ivan Farman expects the momentum to continue into 2026 across various industries, reflecting a positive outlook for the market.

The surge in mega-deals in 2025 signals a strong M&A market rebound post-pandemic. The involvement of private capital in major transactions hints at a market dynamic shift towards more private deals, projecting a robust M&A market in the future despite potential geopolitical risks.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Wall Street Braces For Another Year Of High-Value Transactions Following A Record-Breaking 2025