Latin American M&A market trends

In early 2026, specific South American markets showed significant activity in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). In Colombia, the second quarter was marked by transactions totaling US$4.2 billion, with prominent legal advisors facilitating several large deals. Argentina experienced a strong first half of the year with 56 transactions valued at approximately US$5.7 billion, largely driven by the energy sector and the Vaca Muerta shale play.

By July 2026, the broader Latin American M&A market reached a total value of US$60.159 billion for the period between January and July. While the total number of transactions across the region decreased by 26% compared to the previous year, the total value fell by only 4%, suggesting a trend toward larger, higher-quality deals.

Brazil remained the most active market in the region, with capital mobilized rising by 19% to US$36.358 billion despite a drop in transaction volume. Other regional highlights included a 329% surge in transaction value in Peru and 36% increases in both Argentina and Colombia.