Datasite reported a 31% rise in global deal kickoffs in the first half of 2026, while EMEA deal kickoffs increased 13%.
The figures are drawn from activity on Datasite's platform, where transactions are often launched months before any public announcement. That makes the data a potential early signal of merger and acquisition activity later this year and into the next.
Datasite facilitates about 16,000 new deals annually across M&A, IPO, restructuring and bankruptcy work. It argues that the latest increase suggests corporate and private equity buyers are returning to the market after a prolonged period of caution.
Regional data showed the sharpest increase in the Americas, where deal kickoffs rose 52% in the first half. APAC recorded a 4% increase, while EMEA posted slower but still positive growth of 13%.
These launch figures matter because they reflect activity at the start of a transaction rather than completed or announced deals. They indicate how many buyers and sellers are preparing to test the market, even if many of those deals still face hurdles before signing or completion.
Pipeline rebuild
One of the clearest shifts is a rebuilding transaction pipeline. Rather than waiting for ideal conditions, more companies appear to be starting sale processes or evaluating acquisitions in anticipation of longer-term growth opportunities.
"The recovery is broadening beyond isolated sectors or regions," said Rusty Wiley, Chief Executive Officer of Datasite.
"More dealmakers are moving from waiting to preparing, and that shift is reflected in new transactions launching on our platform. While uncertainty remains, companies and sponsors are taking action rather than staying on the sidelines," Wiley said.
The data also points to faster completion of some early-stage work. Global median preparation time fell to 12 days in the first half from 14 days a year earlier. In APAC, the median preparation time was six days.
That suggests deal teams are assembling materials more quickly, although the broader process remains lengthy. Overall diligence time was unchanged at 181 days, indicating that reviews, negotiations and final decision-making are taking about as long as before.
Sector spread
Another notable shift is the spread of activity across sectors. Technology, media and telecommunications remained in positive territory, but growth there was far more modest than in several other industries.
Healthcare deal kickoffs rose 32% globally from the first half of 2025, making it the strongest sector in the dataset. Industrials and energy and power each increased 25%, while consumer rose 15%. TMT grew 2%.
The pattern points to a broader recovery than previous M&A upturns, which leaned more heavily on technology. Healthcare is being supported by demographic demand, innovation and the use of artificial intelligence in drug discovery, while industrials are benefiting from automation, factory upgrades and supply-chain resilience. In energy and power, activity reflects investment in generation and infrastructure linked to rising demand from AI adoption and data centres.
Buyer mix
Datasite's figures also suggest that strategic acquirers are becoming more active alongside private equity sponsors. Corporate users on the platform increased 28% globally, including a 41% rise in the Americas. Private equity users rose 23%.
That mix matters because strategic buyers and sponsors often respond differently to market conditions, financing costs and valuation expectations. A pickup in both groups can signal a healthier market than one driven by a single buyer class.
Even so, stronger deal launches have not yet translated into higher completion rates. Completion rates remained broadly steady across regions, with a global rate of 45%.
The Americas recorded the highest completion rate at 50%, followed by APAC at 43%. EMEA lagged at 37%, suggesting that while more transactions are entering the market in the region, a smaller share are reaching the finish line.
The gap between rising deal kickoffs and steady completion rates underscores the current shape of the market. Buyers and sellers are showing more willingness to begin transactions, but regulatory scrutiny, negotiation pressure and execution risk still appear to be limiting how many deals close.
Datasite said the combination of rising launches, faster preparation work and broader sector participation points to a more active second phase for the M&A market, even if the full effect will become visible only as these early-stage processes move toward public announcement and completion. Its global completion rate stands at 45%.