M&A Disputes Report 2026

M&A disputes are on the rise as global deal activity regains momentum.

While dealmakers have renewed confidence in the strength of the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market following years of disruption, the disputes emerging from this period point to a more complex and high-stakes environment. Transaction complexity, heightened geopolitical risk and increased scrutiny of post-closing performance are driving more frequent M&A disputes as rising deal stakes push dispute values higher. 

Now in its seventh year, BRG’s M&A Disputes Report 2026 draws on insights from BRG experts, in-depth interviews with leading dispute and corporate lawyers, and a global survey of more than 200 attorneys, private equity professionals and corporate finance advisors. Covering Asia-Pacific (APAC), Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Latin America and North America, the report examines key M&A dispute trends and risk drivers—including how macroeconomic, geopolitical and regulatory forces are shaping the landscape—as well as how dealmakers are approaching dispute resolution and mitigation across industries and regions.