M&A Is Back: What to Know About Joining the Hunt
After years of anticipation, mergers and acquisitions activity has rebounded, with U.S. deal value on track to top $2 trillion in 2025 and further growth expected in 2026. This article breaks down what’s driving renewed competition for assets—and why today’s M&A environment looks very different than it did a decade ago.
The piece explores how strategic buyers are reshaping portfolios, why “boring but reliable” businesses are back in favor, and how uncertainty around rates, policy, and geopolitics is changing deal structures. It also outlines how buyers and sellers alike can adapt to more creative negotiations.
Key themes include:
- Why strategic buyers are leading the current M&A cycle
- How portfolio reshaping is expanding the buyer and seller universe
- The return of “boring is beautiful” assets tied to infrastructure and recurring revenue
- Increased use of earnouts, contingencies, and flexible deal structures
- How sellers can become better targets through risk management and resilience
The article emphasizes that preparation, flexibility, and operational discipline are now critical differentiators in a competitive deal market.
Are Case Studies Worth the Effort?
The second article revisits a classic but often underutilized tool: the case study. In an era of rapid technological change and information overload, case studies continue to stand out for their ability to deliver clarity through real-world experience.
Drawing on insights from academia, industry, and content marketing research, the article explains why case studies remain one of the most effective formats for education, decision-making, and credibility building—despite the effort required to produce them.
Key takeaways include:
- Why case studies resonate across audiences, from buyers to investors to regulators
- The three core stakeholders in any successful case study
- Research showing case studies outperform many other content formats
- Common challenges, including sponsorship, approvals, and resource constraints
- How organizations can repurpose case studies across formats and channels
The article also encourages leaders to share not just successes, but lessons learned along the way—making stories more relatable, credible, and valuable.
Why It Matters
Together, these articles reinforce a shared insight: strong stories and strong fundamentals matter more than ever. In M&A, disciplined operations and resilience make companies more attractive targets. In communication and learning, case studies turn experience into insight. Leaders who invest in both positioning and storytelling will be better equipped to navigate uncertainty and seize opportunity.
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