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M&A Outlook 2026: Argentina, Other Markets Q&A
Experts on the deal outlook in Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru.
BY JOACHIM BAMRUD
Argentina is increasingly becoming a major market for mergers and acquisitions after years of absence thanks to the government of President Javier Milei, who assumed office in December 2023.
“Argentina saw a significant uptick in activity last year, and we expect that momentum to continue in 2026,” says Tony Del Pino, Global Chair of Latham & Watkins’ Latin America Practice. “Pro-market reforms, the new large-investment incentive regime (RIGI), and stronger investor confidence—particularly in mining and energy—are all contributing.
Meanwhile, there gas been an uptick in deal activity in markets such as Chile and Peru.
“We remain optimistic about the M&A environment in both Chile and Peru, where deal activity is particularly robust,” says Paola Lozano, Co-Chair of Skadden’s Latin America Group and Head of the firm’s Spanish language corporate practice. “In these markets, we are witnessing a surge of transactions, driven in large part by cash-rich family offices.
The incoming administration of President-elect Jose Antonio Kast (scheduled to assume office next month) should also benefit Chilean M&A activity, points out Gustavo Akkerman, Special Counsel, Covington & Burling.
Meanwhile, there is a general expectation that Peru will veer right in the April presidential elections, he adds.
Colombia, which has seen major deals recently, is now in a holding pattern until the outcome of the May presidential elections, Lozano says.
Keywords: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, M&As, Peru, Venezuela
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