Top M&A Lawyer Explains How AI Is Reshaping Billion-Dollar Deals

Jul 3, 2026

What is driving mergers and acquisitions in 2026? In this interview, Frank Aquila, Senior M&A Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell, explains why the market has become a “tale of two cities,” with mega-deals worth $10 billion or more continuing to dominate while many mid-market transactions remain on hold. He discusses how economic uncertainty, geopolitics, and long-term strategic planning are shaping today’s largest corporate acquisitions.

Aquila also explores the growing influence of artificial intelligence on global M&A, from accelerating due diligence and deal execution to driving consolidation across industries including technology, energy, financial services, healthcare, biotechnology, and media. He shares his outlook for the second half of 2026 and why AI-driven transformation is expected to remain the dominant force behind corporate dealmaking for years to come.

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