Announced merger and acquisition activity across the Middle East and North Africa fell steeply in the first half of 2026, dropping 47% year-on-year to $48.7 billion according to data from LSEG. The contraction reflects a broad slowdown in regional dealmaking, driven by a sharp drop in both outbound cross-border acquisitions and domestic transactions targeting local companies.
The decline highlights how macroeconomic headwinds, lingering geopolitical uncertainties, and shifting capital allocation strategies are affecting regional deal flow. Rather than pursuing aggressive foreign buyouts, many sovereign wealth funds and corporate entities appear to be taking a more cautious stance, redirecting focus toward domestic consolidation, strategic infrastructure investments, and local economic diversification initiatives.
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