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Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon forecasts an acceleration in M&A activity in 2026, despite the turmoil from the Iran war. He cited monetary easing, AI investment, and balanced regulations as key drivers.

Goldman Sachs Offers Optimistic M&A Outlook

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon stated on March 20 that he anticipates an acceleration in M&A (mergers and acquisitions) activity in 2026, despite the disruptions caused by the Iran war. He projected that monetary easing and fiscal stimulus in developed nations, investments in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and a more balanced regulatory environment in the United States would drive M&A activity.

In his annual letter to shareholders, Solomon noted, "While it is difficult to predict the full impact of potential U.S. and Israeli military action against Iran on the broader economy, there remains a possibility for a more constructive business environment to emerge."

M&A Volume Up 23% Year-to-Date

According to data compiled by Dealogic, the total value of announced M&A deals this year has reached approximately $1.1 trillion, marking a 23% increase compared to the same period last year. This data supports Solomon's optimistic outlook for the M&A market.

*Source: Reuters (2026-03-23)*

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