As the first quarter of 2026 unfolds, the “Main Street” mergers and acquisitions market is undergoing a decisive shift. A new survey just released by DealStream, the leading platform for business-for-sale transactions, reveals that while economic uncertainty persists, leverage has swung significantly in favor of buyers, with deal volume expected to rise.

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The Q1 2026 Market Survey, which polled 602 buyers, sellers, and intermediaries, indicates that the era of seller dominance has ended. In a marked departure from previous neutral conditions, 37.1% of respondents now view the market as favoring buyers, compared to just 19.1% favoring sellers.

“Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, the Main Street M&A market remains active,” said Robert Brauns, CEO and Founder of DealStream. “Buyers are still engaged, sellers are adjusting expectations, and intermediaries are seeing real deal flow — which tells us this isn’t a market on pause, but one that’s adapting.”

Stability Over Optimism

While 33.5% of participants describe the economy as “bad,” the market is finding its footing through adaptation rather than retreat. Price expectations have stabilized, with 43.4% of respondents — the highest share in three quarters — expecting valuations to remain flat. Crucially, more than half of those surveyed foresee an increase in deal volume, driven by resilient demand in sectors like Business Services, Construction, and Energy.

Strategies for a New Landscape

The report highlights that financing remains a hurdle, particularly for buyers, though credit conditions are expected to hold steady. For sellers, the path to success now requires greater pricing discipline and preparation.

The Main Street M&A market of 2026 is not for the complacent, the report concludes. The best outcomes will go to “those who are proactive, well-positioned, and realistic about terms.”

About DealStream

DealStream (formerly MergerNetwork) is a global online marketplace for buying and selling businesses, real estate, capital, and professional services. With hundreds of thousands of members worldwide, DealStream connects entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors to opportunities across industries and markets.

For more information, read DealStream’s Q1 2026 Market Survey Report.

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