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M&A Activity Set to Surge in 2027 as Capital Deployment Pressures Mount

Record mergers and acquisitions activity is expected in 2027, following material acceleration throughout 2026, according to industry advisors. Global deal volume remained flat year-over-year through mid-2026 at 566 transactions, but mounting pressure among investors to deploy capital is driving renewed activity. The market continues to focus on smaller, specialized transactions while increasingly attracting institutional capital capable of larger, transformational deals. Freight demand headwinds and elevated interest rates have tempered activity, though participants anticipate declining fuel costs and rate decreases will ease deal closings. The Supreme Court's broker liability ruling has prompted buyers and sellers to reassess contract risk allocation and insurance coverage beforehand. Cross-border operators tied to nearshoring trends—including carriers, customs brokers and specialized third-party logistics providers—have become premium acquisition targets heading into the second half of the year.