On Target: 2026 Private Equity Outlook 10th Edition

Marking its 10th year, On Target: 2026 Private Equity Outlook provides a sharp, forward-looking view of the factors expected to influence Canadian private equity in 2026. Grounded in a comprehensive review of recent deal activity, this edition highlights the themes and market dynamics that will shape decision-making in the year ahead. The report equips private equity sponsors and other market participants with practical, data-backed insights to navigate an evolving landscape.

• 2025 in Numbers — Canadian Private Equity Overview
• Digital Infrastructure Investment in Canada
• A New Era of Defence Investment
• Beyond the Boom: Trends and Strategies Shaping PE Secondaries in 2026
• Canadian Take-Privates in 2025 and Looking Forward
• Corporate Venture Capital and Strategic Investments in High-Growth Tech Companies
• Canada-U.S. Trade: Building Resilience to Persistent Disruption from U.S. Tariffs
• Heightened Scrutiny of Minority Investments
• Canadian Tax Developments Relevant to Private Equity Investors
   

A Preview of the Questions We Explore

Market Activity and Deal Dynamics

• What defined Canadian private equity activity in 2025, and what should sponsors expect in 2026?
• How are shifting deal sizes and sector trends influencing sponsor priorities?
• What is driving renewed interest in Canadian take-privates and cross-border activity?

Sector Developments

• How is Canada’s digital infrastructure buildout shaping investment opportunities?
• Why is defence investment accelerating, and where is capital flowing next?
• How are corporate venture capital strategies influencing growth stage deals?

Regulatory and Cross-border Considerations

• How can investors manage exposure to persistent U.S. tariff disruptions?
• What does increased scrutiny of minority investments mean for private equity funds?
• Which recent tax and regulatory changes should sponsors consider for 2026?

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On Target: 2026 Private Equity Outlook 10th Edition

Our national Private Equity & Investments team’s full-service approach is tailored to deliver a seamless experience to our international clients with their inbound Canadian mandates, and to connect our Canadian clients to capital and growth opportunities in Canada and globally. Download our 2026 Outlook to learn more about the latest market trends and how we can help you achieve success this year.

Download the Publication

About McCarthy Tétrault

McCarthy Tétrault LLP provides a broad range of legal services, providing strategic and industry-focused advice and solutions for Canadian and international interests. The Firm has a substantial presence in all of Canada’s major commercial centres as well as in New York and London.

Built on an integrated approach to the practice of law and delivery of innovative client services, the Firm brings its legal talent, industry insight and practice experience to help clients achieve the results that are important to them.

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For further information on McCarthy Tétrault or any of the above, please contact media@mccarthy.ca

Why Work With McCarthy Tétrault?

Our clients include large and mid-market private equity firms, as well as pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, venture capital firms and other institutional investors, whether based in Canada or elsewhere. With offices across Canada’s major commercial centres and in New York and London, our national private equity team has substantial presence and capabilities to help our clients successfully complete transactions nationwide and across borders. We take an active interest in our clients’ businesses so that we can deliver best-in-class legal advice. As active participants in the private equity industry, we advise our clients on key trends and issues, mitigate risk and apply innovative strategies to acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures and other transactions. Find out how we can help advance your business interests.