Japan's M&A Transaction Count Hits Record 2,647 Deals in First Half of 2026

Japan's M&A transaction count reached 2,647 deals in the first half of 2026, representing a 5.1% increase from the same period in 2025 and marking the third consecutive year of record-breaking performance. Domestic M&A (IN-IN) totaled 2,106 transactions, while foreign acquisition of Japanese companies (OUT-IN) reached 232 deals, with both categories showing growth of 5.3% and 27.5% respectively.

Notable large-scale deals included Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical's MBO (approximately 40 billion yen), Daiwa Securities Group's acquisition of Orix Bank, and Mitsubishi Corporation's purchase of U.S. natural gas developer Haynesville Resources (approximately 1.2 trillion yen).

Among small and medium-sized enterprises, which comprise over 90% of domestic companies, M&A activity has accelerated significantly. M&A has transitioned from being an "exceptional initiative" to a "standard management practice" for business succession and industry consolidation.