New Delhi, Nov. 12 -- Global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity witnessed a sharp slowdown in the third quarter of 2026, with aggregate deal value declining 36.9 per cent sequentially to USD 781.46 billion, as reduced megadeal activity weighed on the market, according to an S&P Global Market Intelligence report.

The number of announced transactions globally also fell 12.6 per cent from the previous quarter to 9,732, dropping below the 10,000 mark for the first time since at least 2024. The aggregate transaction value stood at USD 1.239 trillion in the second quarter.

The report noted that "The slowdown was broad-based, with M&A activity retreating from its recent peak and a quieter megadeal environment weighing particularly on the ...