US business executives are increasingly displaying renewed enthusiasm for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), signaling a potential boom in dealmaking over the coming year. According to the latest EY Parthenon Deal Barometer survey, a significant 62% of US based CEOs intend to pursue M&A (mergers and acquisitions) actively in the next 12 months—a jump of 27 percentage points from just 35% reported in September 2025.
According to the insights from EY, this surge reflects a broader pivot toward aggressive growth strategies amid evolving economic and technological landscapes.
Compared to their international counterparts, US executives appear particularly optimistic.
While global CEOs show a 53% intent for M&A, the higher US figure underscores a unique bullishness driven by domestic priorities.
The survey, which polled 320 US CEOs among 1,200 global respondents from 21 countries and five key industries, highlights how geopolitical tensions and trade policies are reshaping investment decisions.
Notably, 85% of US leaders have adjusted their strategic plans in the past year due to these factors: 46% sped up investments, 39% postponed them, and 11% halted initiatives entirely.
Rather than deterring progress, such uncertainties seem to be fueling a proactive mindset.
At the core of this optimism lies a widespread commitment to enterprise-wide transformation.
An overwhelming 97% of US CEOs are either implementing or preparing major overhauls, with emphases on boosting revenue growth (19%), enhancing operational efficiency and productivity (17%), and improving customer loyalty (14%).
Artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a pivotal element in these efforts.
Forty-four percent of respondents view faster AI integration as the primary catalyst for expansion in 2026, while 91% believe it will fundamentally alter how companies generate value, streamline processes, and achieve long-term success.
However, challenges persist: 28% worry about escalating cybersecurity threats, and 25% struggle to separate genuine AI advancements from overhyped trends.
Industry professionals interpret this data as a departure from conservative tactics toward bolder actions.
Mitch Berlin, EY Americas Vice Chair for EY-Parthenon, observes, executives are transitioning from protective measures to forward-thinking approaches, using deals to secure essential technologies, skilled personnel, and expanded operations in a volatile environment.
This isn’t mere opportunism; it’s about redefining business models, competitive edges, and financial paths through transformative transactions.
The rebound suggests US companies are positioning themselves to thrive despite ongoing disruptions.
By harnessing M&A and AI, leaders aim to not only navigate complexities but also gain advantages over rivals.
The survey‘s respondents, representing firms from small enterprises (under $500 million in revenue) to giants (over $5 billion), indicate this momentum spans various scales and sectors, including consumer health, finance, industrials, infrastructure, and tech.
