Global deal activity fell during the first nine months of 2026, as cautious dealmaking sentiment continued to weigh on transaction activity worldwide. The total number of deals (comprising mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity and venture financing) announced globally declined by 3 percent during first through third quarter 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, according to GlobalData, an intelligence and productivity platform.
An analysis of GlobalData’s Financial Deals Database revealed that the overall decline was primarily driven by weaker M&A activity. The total number of M&A deals announced globally fell by 5 percent year over year during first through third quarter 2026, reflecting continued selectivity among corporate buyers. In contrast, venture financing remained broadly stable, edging up by 0.2 percent year over year, while private equity deal volume increased by 5 percent.
Aurojyoti Bose, lead analyst at GlobalData, said, “The
