Clairfield in H1 2026: 99 definitions of success
Clairfield delivered a strong first half of 2026. We closed 99 transactions across sectors and regions in a market that rewarded quality and selectivity. Notable deals and continued crossborder collaboration across the Clairfield partnership underline our momentum as a leading midmarket advisor.
Sector success
Our sector teams saw buyers act selectively, particularly in industrials and healthcare, where quality assets attracted strong appetite and full valuations while others took longer to transact.
In tech, AI set the agenda, with capital flowing to AI platforms and data centres, while software dealmaking turned more cautious as investors weighed AI’s impact on pricing and valuations.
Energy stayed in motion throughout the half, driven by rising electricity demand and the continued expansion of renewables.
Consumer proved more mixed, with pockets of growth in food ingredients, while business services momentum came from carve-outs and consolidation.
Private equity activity remained measured, though sponsors stayed engaged where the right opportunities emerged.
Transactions in the spotlight
Refocus: how carve-outs turn less into more
This year’s Outlook publication draws directly on our carve-out track record, taking an in-depth look at these complex transactions.
In a series of interviews, business leaders share their perspectives on divestments, special situations, and the realities of executing complex carve-outs.
The publication also features case studies of completed transactions, showing how carve-outs work in practice and the complexity behind each deal.
The message from the interviews and case studies is clear: done well, a carve-out releases value for the seller and gives the divested business room to grow.
Connecting across borders
We opened the year with an online partners’ meeting in February to share expertise and keep offices connected across the partnership. In March, the LatAm roadshow took our Chair, Alex Klemm, to partners and clients across the region. In June the partnership came together in person at the Global Partners’ Meeting in Istanbul. Monthly sector calls and joint partner sessions kept teams connected across offices throughout H1.
Investing in our people
In April, the third module of the Clairfield Academy Structured Training (CAST) programme took place in Barcelona, Spain.
Sessions focused on several core topics, including valuation techniques, lock box theory, debt advisory, and PE investments.
With participants from 16 countries attending, this was a valuable opportunity to build M&A skills while strengthening relationships across our international partnership.
Clairfield’s CAST programme runs for two years, providing our junior staff with four in-person structured training events, as well as ongoing online self-study.
Defined by your success
“Buyers in H1 were disciplined, and that discipline favoured well-prepared businesses. Most of our work happens long before a deal is announced and this half showed why. My thanks go to the clients who put their trust in us, and our teams worldwide for earning it.”
Alex Klemm, Chair of Clairfield International
Our clients define what success means to us. In H1 2026, they gave us 99 answers. Here’s to the next definition.
