Mergers & Acquisitions Names Its 2026 Middle-Market Deals of the Year
Mergers & Acquisitions has selected 12 deals for its 19th annual Mid-Market Deals of the Year Awards. These transactions stand out in a year marked by major headwinds for dealmakers, driven in large part by shifting economic policy and geopolitical turbulence.
This year marks our 19th annual recognition of the best deals in the middle market, the longest-running honors program in the industry.
Without further ado, here are the 2026 Mid-Market Deals of the Year, with honorable mentions cited below this list.
Congratulations to the 12 Winners of the 19th Annual Mid-Market Deals of the Year:
Argand Partners’ acquisition of Capezio marks the first institutional investment in the family-owned dancewear brand’s almost 140-year history.
Level Equity and Centerbridge Partners-backed Boatsetter’s merger with GetMyBoat, both online peer-to-peer boat rental platforms, marks a milestone in a shared-economy vertical.
The acquisition of BroadStreet Partners, by an investor group led by Ethos Capital, from Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan stood out for its complexity.
Health-Ade’s acquisition by Generous Brands, backed by Butterfly Equity, signals the increasing institutionalization of once niche wellness products.
Hoffmann Family of Companies’ acquisition of Elmer Chocolate highlights the increasing importance of domestic manufacturing capabilities and vertical integration in attracting institutional investors.
Integrum Holdings’ acquisition of Stout from Audax Private Equity caps a period of rapid expansion for the global advisory firm.
The sale of RESA Power by Investcorp to Kohlberg highlights strong demand for infrastructure services in the exit market.
Lyft (Nasdaq: LYFT)‘s acquisition of Freenow is the company’s first major expansion outside of North America.
McCain Foods’ purchase of Penobscot McCrum signals significant consolidation and the first major deal in the french fry industry in a decade.
WildBrain‘s $457 million all cash sale of its 41 percent controlling stake in Peanuts Holdings to Sony (NYSE: SONY) valued the business at more than $1 billion.
The sale of Commodity & Ingredient Hedging (CIH) to Tokio Marine Holdings represents a major strategic development in financial and risk management services for the agricultural sector.
Vista Equity Partners’ investment in Dentira underscores its belief that purpose built, industry-specific software will become standard across healthcare as consolidation continues.
Here’s a summary of all winners and the advisors and lenders who contributed to each deal, and a chart of the Honorable Mentions after this.
