M&A activity slowed in Q1 2026, with deal volume hitting a multi‑year low, reflecting a shift toward fewer, higher‑conviction transactions.

U.S. Industrial Manufacturing M&A activity accelerated meaningfully in Q1-26, with 113 announced transactions.

In Q1 2026, T&L public sector performance grew 9.8 percent, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which posted a decline of 4.6 percent.

Total deal volume for the construction & building products sector increased 13 percent in Q1 2026 compared to the previous quarter, with 338 transactions

U.S. distribution M&A activity remained relatively stable in Q1-26, with 78 announced transactions compared to 82 in the prior-year period, reflecting a resilient domestic backdrop despite a somewhat uneven macroeconomic environment.

Global M&A activity across the Staffing, Outsourcing Services, and Software & Technology sectors (collectively, “Human Capital Management” or “HCM”) showed early signs of stabilization in Q1 2026, with 133 transactions globally, up from 117 transactions in Q1 2025.