US CEOs Show Confidence in M&A Strategies as Market Conditions Improve

Renewed Confidence in M&A Among US CEOs

As 2026 dawns, the landscape for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is witnessing a seismic shift among US CEOs. Following a phase of cautious decision-making, leaders are reinvigorating their strategies, with substantial growth pressure demanding innovative solutions. The latest EY-Parthenon CEO Outlook Survey reflects this momentum, revealing an impressive 62% of US CEOs intending to pursue M&A within the next year. This marks a significant rise from the 35% who showed such intentions in September 2025, indicative of a transformed business outlook.

Mitch Berlin, EY Americas Vice Chair of EY-Parthenon, attributes this shift to a proactive mindset among CEOs. "We are witnessing a move from a defensive strategy to one focused on aggressive growth," he states. Leaders are keenly aware of the changing market dynamics, where waiting for ideal conditions is no longer an option. Instead, they are leveraging acquisitions as a means to obtain essential technology, enhance their talent pool, and achieve the scale necessary for operational transformation, critical in today’s complex business environment.

In contrast to global counterparts, US CEOs are exhibiting a more optimistic dealmaking outlook, with global M&A intent rated at 53%. The enthusiasm among US CEOs for transformative transactions underscores their commitment to redefining operational strategies, financial trajectories, and market positions.

Challenges Amidst Optimism

The newfound confidence, however, does not come without caution. US CEOs are acutely aware of geopolitical issues and trade policy developments that continue to influence corporate strategies. In fact, 85% of surveyed leaders reported adjustments to their strategic investment plans in the past year, with 46% accelerating investments, 39% delaying, and 11% halting planned investments altogether due to prevailing global uncertainties.

Ultimately, CEOs are choosing to turn challenges into transformation opportunities. An astonishing 97% of US CEOs are currently engaged in or planning significant enterprise-wide transformation initiatives. The overarching aim is to boost top-line growth (19% of responses), followed by optimizing operations and enhancing productivity (17%), and improving customer engagement and retention (14%). This aligns with the understanding that transformation efforts are no longer isolated but span across the entire organization, affecting growth strategies, operational efficiency, and cultural shifts.

The Role of AI in Strategic Growth

Central to this transformation drive is the recognition of artificial intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for growth. Nearly half of the surveyed CEOs (44%) highlighted the accelerated adoption of AI as the primary positive factor influencing their company's growth in 2026. Despite the challenges posed by cybersecurity risks (cited by 28% of CEOs) and the difficulty in discerning viable AI opportunities (25%), the commitment to AI-driven transformation remains strong. A staggering 91% of US CEOs view AI as a transformative force reshaping business operations and value creation.

Successful CEOs are those who understand how to leverage AI for not just operational efficiency but also for strategic growth. As these leaders make decisive moves towards implementing advanced technologies, the focus remains on navigating an increasingly complex landscape where agility and foresight will define success.

Conclusion

As we progress further into 2026, the evolving trends in M&A among US businesses signal a revitalized approach toward navigating the challenges of today’s business environment. By adopting a proactive stance, prioritizing technological advancements, and embracing transformation initiatives, US CEOs are positioning their companies for a sustainable competitive advantage in an ever-changing global market. For more detailed insights, the full EY-Parthenon CEO Outlook Report can be accessed online, outlining the potential implications and strategies for tomorrow's business landscape.