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What’s important to the corporate development leader in 2026
Executive insights
Four topics shaping the deals agenda
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How dealmakers are gaining an advantage through M&A
Corporate development leaders are seizing the moment. With long-term shifts in technology, regulation, and geopolitics, M&A offers more than growth—it's a way to lead. Acting now means more than staying ahead. It means helping your business redefine the playing field.
Your role? Spot the right opportunities. Secure internal buy-in. Structure deals that not only clear the hurdle rate but deliver lasting value. Here’s how to move faster, build more confidence, and help drive results.
In the spotlight
Large M&A deals surge to near-historic pace
Powered by AI-driven M&A and PE exits, 2025 is on pace to be the strongest year for megadeals since 2021. AI is the single most important catalyst for growth in megadeals, with roughly one quarter of deals valued at $5 billion or more having an AI theme. PE exits also are contributing to the surge. Most of the exits are to corporate buyers, particularly those seeking recurring-revenue, data-rich assets—including cybersecurity, enterprise software/data platforms, and scaled platform businesses such as insurance brokerages and payment infrastructure providers.
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[47] The number of megadeals worth at least $5 billion this year through September 5
Where to focus in 2026
Deals strategy
Build shareholder value with every transaction
Funding transformational deals takes more than capital—it takes careful planning and coordination. And there are strategies that can help. Joint ventures can help reduce risk while divestitures can unlock capital to reinvest. But real impact happens when deals and transformation move together, supported by IT, human resources, and sales—and a plan to scale outcomes and drive shareholder return.
Top insights
Deals strategy
Transformational M&A: Are you ready to redesign your business?
Having a process to determine whether your business can benefit from strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, spinoffs, and divestitures is a key to your success.
Deals strategy
GE: Pioneering a new era
Discover how PwC helped GE split into three industry-leading companies, fueling bold innovation, global efficiency, and new growth possibilities.
Strategy and growth
How leading CEOs and CFOs are treating portfolio reviews as core strategy
The portfolio review process is no longer just about improvement—it’s about allocating the next dollar efficiently, increasing competitiveness, and driving value creation at enterprise scale.
Divestitures
Doing divestitures that deliver value
Divestitures—if done right—can help you transform faster and emerge stronger.
[51%] of operations leaders think that acquiring a company to access talent is very effective in developing a digital-ready workforce
Deals oversight
Reduce stakeholder friction to improve M&A efficiency
Knowing the numbers isn’t enough. To drive efficient M&A, you need to understand mindsets—inside and outside the business. Corporate development leaders are the hub, aligning stakeholders from the C-suite to the front line while building trust with counterparties and the market.
Some embrace change. Others resist it. Recognizing these dynamics helps you adapt your approach and reduce friction—so deals move forward with purpose.
Top insights
Value creation
Three ideas to unlock additional value creation in M&A integration
Explore key levers that drive more sustained outcomes for acquirers.
Trust
From portfolio review to boardroom decision: Making the strategic case for a divestiture
C-suite leaders now recognize divestitures as a strategic move that can refocus resources in a changing business environment.
[57%] of business executives say they’re missing opportunities because they can’t make decisions quickly enough
Source: PwC Pulse Survey, May 2025
Artificial intelligence
Use AI and analytics to unlock M&A value
Making a tech transformation during M&A integration isn’t easy. Success often depends on agile, targeted digital investments—especially those powered by AI. By focusing on clear outcomes—like improving customer experience, strengthening relationships, and accelerating innovation—you can generate revenue faster. Analytics platforms help unlock value from existing data, speed up decision-making, and measure ROI on new products, services, and initiatives.
Top insights
Artificial intelligence
2025 Midyear AI Business Predictions
Explore our AI predictions with actionable strategies, industry insights, and trends shaping AI’s role in business transformation.
Deals strategy
Secrets to funding transformation—before, during and after deals
Fund faster transformation and create value by using these three strategic approaches for high-stakes execution through deals.
Automation
Cutting manual reporting processes in half with automation
Modernizing technology as part of a deal or other transformation activities can help improve back-office efficiency.
[44%] of executives rank AI and data regulations as one of the top 3 factors driving short-term strategy shifts
Source: PwC Pulse Survey, May 2025
Regulation and compliance
Navigate tariff and regulatory shifts with confidence
Regulatory details can make or break a deal. From changing tariff policies to heightened antitrust scrutiny, evolving rules are reshaping the M&A landscape. In some cases, those shifts can derail deals entirely, turning transition plans into termination clauses. Staying current is harder than ever given the sheer volume and pace of change. Corporate development teams need clarity—on what’s changing, what’s at stake, and where pressure is building. Finding that clarity can be the difference between deal success and a missed opportunity.
Top insights
Regulation and compliance
Why diverse perspectives on M&A and other areas are needed
Company leaders want new viewpoints to address issues with tariffs and regulations. Stay ahead with insights on what policy changes mean for business.
Regulation and compliance
How the new tax bill influences valuations
Companies performing valuations for financial reporting, tax planning, or strategic decision-making purposes need to understand key OBBB Act provisions.
Operational risk
How leading CEOs and CFOs are treating portfolio reviews as core strategy
In our view, portfolio reviews are an underused tool that can help executives be more agile and decisive in their response to challenges
ESG reporting
Transforming Workday’s ESG program
See how a rigorous program helps prepare for new regulatory requirements with greater clarity and accuracy.
[51%] of executives have initial steps underway or are beyond initial steps in pursuing new M&A
Stat source: PwC Pulse Survey, May 2025
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