M&A Predictions: How AI And Technology Could Reshape Deals

The trajectory of technological change is uncertain by definition. In 2026 alone, we’ve seen evidence of a huge slowdown in the progression of frontier LLM models and warnings of a backlash against AI more generally.

At the same time, advances in agentic AI — not least in cryptography and coding — and robotics hold out greater promise of radical tech-driven changes to business models, employment patterns and markets.

Key topics in this section

• Our M&A predictions
• Conclusion
• What are organizations saying?

1. Use of tech by regulators

Merger control and FDI authorities adoption of new technologies might make regulatory clearance both faster and more intrusive. While no-issue transactions could clear almost instantly, strategically important deals may face unprecedented scrutiny — such as whether evidence regarding future benefits of a transaction seems plausible.