DealStream Q1 2026 Survey: Buyers Gain Upper Hand as Main Street M&A Market Stabilizes

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 5, 2026--

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.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205316771/en/

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.

DealStream Q1 2026 Survey: Buyers Gain Upper Hand as Main Street M&A Market Stabilizes

Fit Ztudio - Shutterstock

LONDON (AP) — Enzo Fernandez's agent called Chelsea's decision to drop the midfielder “completely unfair” on Friday.

Fernandez was banished from the next two games — the FA Cup quarterfinal against Port Vale on Saturday and the Premier League match with Manchester City next weekend — Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior confirmed on Friday.

The sanction was in response to Fernandez telling a podcast this week that he would like to live in Madrid. There's speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid even though he's contracted to Chelsea to 2031.

Fernandez's agent Javier Pastore said the Argentina international does not understand the decision.

“The punishment is completely unfair,” Pastore told The Athletic. "Banning the player for two matches, which moreover are also absolutely crucial for Chelsea because qualification for the Champions League is at stake and he is one of the team's most important players.

"There's no real reason or justification for why he has been banned. Enzo didn't understand the situation. When the coach told him he accepted it because he's a highly professional guy who's always fully committed wherever he is and respects decisions, but we don’t understand the punishment because he doesn't mention any club or say he wants to leave Chelsea, far from it. He only mentions Madrid, the city.

“Our plan after the World Cup is to meet with Chelsea again and, if there is no agreement, to explore other options.”

Rosenior said he was part of the club's decision.

“It’s disappointing for Enzo to speak that way. I’ve got no bad words to say about him but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build,” Rosenior said.

“Enzo, firstly, as a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect. He’s frustrated because he wants us to be successful. The door is not closed on Enzo. It’s a sanction. You have to protect the culture, and in terms of that, a line was crossed.”

Fernandez joined Chelsea for a then-British record 107 million pounds ($142 million) in 2023 and was appointed vice-captain the following year.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

FILE - Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez holds the ball during the English League Cup semifinal second leg soccer match between Arsenal and Chelsea in London, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Argentina's Enzo Fernandez celebrates scoring his side's opening goal against Mauritania during a friendly match in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)