Goldman Sachs Forecasts Record 2026 M&A, Led by Corporate Buyers

Goldman Sachs President John Waldron expects 2026 M&A volumes to approach or exceed the 2021 record.

Waldron reported strong deal backlogs and robust activity during a May 28 conference.

Corporate M&A activity increased significantly year-over-year, signaling a shift away from private equity dominance.

Confident CEOs currently demonstrate a clear bias toward consolidation and strategic transactions.