A recent report published by Mergermarket and ION Analytics highlights that Latin America’s M&A market posted its strongest first-half performance since 2021, reaching approximately USD 58.9 billion in announced transaction value during the first six months of 2026. Despite this strong performance, the report notes that activity was driven primarily by a limited number of large-cap transactions, while overall market sentiment for the second half of the year remains relatively cautious.

According to the analysis, private equity investors continue to focus on sectors that offer stable cash flows and long-term growth prospects, including infrastructure, energy, mining and other real-economy assets. At the same time, investors have adopted a more selective approach toward software and technology investments amid concerns regarding valuations and future growth assumptions.

The Chile section includes comments from Andrés Chirgwin, who notes that the gradual reduction of Chile’s corporate tax rate could enhance corporate cash generation, support higher valuations and increase the attractiveness of Chilean assets for international investors. The report also highlights renewable energy and mining, particularly projects related to copper, lithium and critical minerals, as sectors that are expected to remain key areas of interest for private equity and strategic investors.

The publication provides valuable insights into the trends shaping M&A and private equity activity across Latin America and the factors that may influence dealmaking opportunities during the remainder of 2026.