A new survey from the global professional services firm KPMG indicates that a significant wave of mergers and acquisitions is poised to sweep across Canada this year. The driving force behind this anticipated surge is a concerted focus on nation-building efforts within the corporate sector.
Survey Highlights Unprecedented Optimism
The data, collected from senior executives and dealmakers, paints a picture of a business landscape ready for consolidation and strategic growth. Canadian companies are looking beyond traditional expansion, aiming to build more resilient and competitive national champions. This strategic shift is expected to manifest in increased M&A activity as firms seek to acquire technology, talent, and market share to strengthen their domestic and global positions.
While the specific details of the KPMG survey's methodology and full dataset were part of the original report, the core finding is clear: the appetite for deals in 2026 is strong. This sentiment is rooted in a desire to construct more integrated and robust supply chains, enhance innovation capacity, and secure critical assets within Canada's borders.
Drivers Behind the Expected M&A Boom
Several key factors are converging to create a favourable environment for mergers and acquisitions. The push for nation-building involves sectors deemed crucial for long-term economic sovereignty and success. This includes areas like technology, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy.
Executives surveyed by KPMG appear to be responding to both economic signals and a broader strategic imperative. By combining resources and capabilities, companies believe they can better navigate global uncertainties, invest in large-scale projects, and compete more effectively on the world stage. This trend suggests a move from opportunistic deal-making to more purposeful, strategic consolidation.
Implications for the Canadian Economy
If the survey's predictions hold true, 2026 could be a landmark year for corporate restructuring in Canada. A rise in M&A activity typically leads to a reshuffling of assets, potential job creation in growing entities, and significant capital investment. However, it also raises questions about market concentration and requires careful regulatory oversight to ensure competition remains healthy.
The KPMG survey, released on January 19, 2026, serves as a key indicator for investors, policymakers, and business leaders. It underscores a proactive mindset within Canada's corporate boardrooms, one focused on using mergers and acquisitions as a primary tool for building a stronger national economic foundation in the years ahead.
