Global Outlook 2026

• The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hardware Professional Market is projected to reach a valuation of $14.32 billion by 2026. • Market Research Intellect forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.01% from 2026 through 2035. • This growth is driven by expanding demand across various applications, technologies, and geographic regions as AI integration scales globally.

• Global consumer market M&A is projected to remain stable and selective through 2026, focusing on strategic portfolio rebalancing and securing new capabilities. • Key examples of this trend include Mars' acquisition of Kellanova, completed in December 2025, which expanded its global brand reach. • The proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern rail merger, one of 2025's largest deals, highlights a shift toward consolidation to improve supply-chain reliability and e-commerce fulfillment.

• The global M&A industry is shifting toward a trend of fewer but significantly larger "supersized" deals as artificial intelligence disrupts traditional dealmaking playbooks. • AI-enabled data rooms and platforms are now being used to analyze massive document volumes, identify potential risks, and accelerate the due diligence process. • Leading corporate development and private equity teams are leveraging AI to synthesize critical financial, operational, and commercial data on potential acquisition targets.