2025 Was the Year M&A Came Roaring Back. 2026 Will Test Whether Boards Are Truly Ready.

With global M&A deal value hitting a record $4.9 trillion in 2025 and activity continuing to build into 2026, boards are under real pressure. Many are not prepared for what comes with it. An article, written by Mary Lee Sharp, addresses what that pressure looks like, where the gaps are, and what sound governance requires right now.

The piece covers key areas:  

• The cybersecurity blind spot that continues to be overlooked in due diligence, including a close look at the Change Healthcare breach and what it cost UnitedHealth Group

• Six practical, board-level M&A readiness steps grounded in current guidance from PwC, the ABA, Bain, and other leading sources

Read the article here.