Deal Making 2026: Navigating Headwins, Harnessing AI, and Finding the Next Wave of Opportunity

Before entering 2025 with high expectations only to face a challenging first half and a sluggish deal volume, market participants struggled to find momentum in a complex economic landscape; however, after analyzing the recent surge in large-cap deals and integrating Gen AI into their due diligence processes, dealmakers are now equipped with the creative structures and technological speed needed to dominate the 2026 market.

EY leaders Adam Reilly and Brenda Ciampollilo break down the dichotomy of the current M&A market—where deal value is soaring while volume remains selective. From the rise of private credit to the transformative power of Generative AI in contract analysis, they provide a roadmap for navigating 2026’s sectoral shifts and supply chain realignments.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why 2025 started with "evaporating" tailwinds and how the market pivoted in Q3.

• The "Value vs. Volume" gap: Why large deals are returning while the middle market waits.

• How transaction structures are becoming more creative with JVs, alliances, and private credit.

• The reality of Gen AI in M&A: Using tech to read contracts faster without replacing human talent.

Connect with the Experts:

• Adam Reilly: EY

• Brenda Ciampollilo: EY

#MAAdvisor #Dealmaking2026 #GenAI #InvestmentBanking

Main Takeaways:

• The Q3 Surge: While the first half of 2025 was challenging, a post-Labor Day surge saw deal values climb significantly, even as volume remained relatively flat.

• Creative Capital: The massive rise in private credit, along with the use of joint ventures and alliances, is helping dealmakers overcome traditional financing hurdles.

• AI as an Accelerator: Gen AI is not a replacement for talent but a tool to make professionals "better, faster, stronger," particularly in high-volume document and contract review.

• Supply Chain Shifts: Changes in global trade policy and tariffs are expected to spur investment as companies look to diversify or re-shore their supply chains.

Timestamps:

• [00:01:51] – Recapping 2025: From "bullish" expectations to a challenging first half.

• [00:03:02] – The Post-Labor Day Surge: Analyzing the 46% increase in deal value.

• [00:04:58] – Creative Transaction Structures: JVs, Alliances, and Private Credit.

• [00:11:15] – The 2026 Outlook: Why LPs are pressuring Private Equity to move capital.

• [00:13:21] – Sectoral Shifts: Tariffs, supply chains, and the future of industrial M&A.

• [00:18:15] – Gen AI in the Deal Room: Speeding up contracts and due diligence.

• [00:20:52] – The Human Element: Why AI makes us better but won't replace the expert.

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