According to a recent PwC study, 64% of chief executives report their companies have not completed an acquisition in the last three years, but 60% plan to complete one in the next three. There is tremendous pent-up demand in mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

According to Pitchbook, private equity transactions reached an all-time high in 2021 ($501 billion), only to drop like a rock in 2022 and 2023. Lower inflation and signs that the Fed is posturing for rate cuts are good news for business owners who want to divest. Between 2025 and 2028, business owners might be compelled to sell based on key financial, economic and political conditions.