DATA GRAPHICS | Data Byte
19 M&A deals over $1B in 1H26
Five weeks into 2Q26, nine deals have already been announced, with no signs of slowing
May 4, 2026 11:19 PM UTC
Monday’s announcement that UCB would buy Candid for up to $2.2 billion marks the ninth M&A deal over $1 billion announced in 2Q26, despite the quarter being a mere five weeks old. Added to the 10 deals in 1Q26, the first half of this year exceeds all but two halves since 2019, with no signs of dealflow slowing.
The biggest half in the window was 2H21, with 20 deals, just two fewer than where 1H26 stands today. The total for full-year 2021 was 34...