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PwC Sees M&A Surging To $4 Trillion In 2026 As AI Drives Mega Deals

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 30, 2026

Global mergers and acquisitions are on track for a strong rebound, with annual deal value projected to reach $4 trillion in 2026, according to a new report from PwC. If realised, that would mark the market’s strongest performance since 2021.

Mega Deals Are Reclaiming The Market

PwC attributes the rebound largely to a surge in transactions valued at more than $5 billion. So far this year, those mega deals have accounted for nearly half of global deal value, up from 39% in 2025 and 26% in 2024.

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The firm expects the value of these transactions to grow by 40% annually through 2026 if current momentum continues.

“2026 is the year of super-sized mergers and acquisitions,” said Brian Levy, leader of PwC US’ global deals sector. He added that artificial intelligence is accelerating mega deals, reshaping capital flows and changing the competitive landscape across industries.

AI Emerges As A Key Acquisition Driver

According to PwC, companies are increasingly pursuing acquisitions to strengthen their artificial intelligence capabilities.

Recent transactions illustrate that trend. SpaceX has completed a $60 billion acquisition of the AI startup Cursor, while Salesforce has agreed to acquire the AI-powered customer service platform Fin for $3.6 billion. Qualcomm is also reportedly in discussions to acquire Modular in a deal that could value the AI chip company at around $4 billion.

Mid-Market Buyers Face A More Difficult Climate

While the largest transactions continue to gain momentum, PwC said many mid-market investors remain constrained by geopolitical uncertainty, valuation gaps, slower economic growth, higher inflation, elevated interest rates and a backlog of private capital exits.

Those factors continue to weigh on smaller and mid-sized transactions, even as larger companies pursue strategic acquisitions.

Private Markets May Become More Liquid

PwC also said artificial intelligence has the potential to improve liquidity in private markets by making asset evaluation and deal negotiations more efficient.

If global M&A activity reaches $4 trillion in 2026, it would represent an increase of at least 13% from 2025 and the second-highest annual deal value since 2021.

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Web Summit 2026 Brings 70,000 Participants From 164 Countries To Lisbon

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 13, 2026

Around 70,000 people from 164 countries attended this year’s Web Summit in Lisbon, with China sending its largest delegation to the event so far. More than 50 representatives from the country’s artificial intelligence and robotics sectors took part, reflecting China’s growing presence in technologies reshaping manufacturing and services.

Founded in Dublin in 2009, Web Summit moved to Lisbon in 2016 and has since developed into one of Europe’s major technology conferences. The event brings together start-ups, investors and industry leaders, providing a platform for companies to present new technologies and explore business opportunities.

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This year’s gathering also highlighted China’s expanding influence in the global technology industry, a trend noted by Web Summit founder Paddy Cosgrave.

Storm Charles Interrupts Conference Programme

The summit’s schedule was disrupted on November 11, when Storm Charles forced organisers to cancel activities for the day. The programme resumed on November 12, allowing the event to conclude as planned.

Despite the interruption, this year’s Web Summit highlighted several key developments shaping the technology sector, including advances in robotics and automation, intensifying international competition and continued demand for platforms connecting businesses with investors.

For Lisbon, the conference remains an important international technology gathering, bringing together companies and decision-makers while showcasing innovations moving towards commercial application.