On February 3, 2026, the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany e.V. (AmCham Germany), in cooperation with Teneo Germany, hosted an exclusive Expert Briefing in Frankfurt am Main focusing on European merger activity and the strategic implications of the current U.S. administration for transatlantic M&A in 2026. The invitation-only session brought together senior corporate leaders and executives to discuss how geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory scrutiny, and shifting stakeholder expectations are reshaping cross-border transactions.
The briefing featured Robert Mead, Chairman, Americas at Teneo, a seasoned strategic advisor with more than three decades of experience advising CEOs and Boards of multinational corporations on transformational transactions, activist defense, governance transitions, and crisis situations. Drawing on Teneo’s experience in several recent M&A transactions, most notably the Nippon Steel/US Steel merger, Robert Mead outlined the changes in U.S. industrial and trade policy, foreign investment review mechanisms, and evolving tariff regimes, affecting transaction timing and strategic decision-making. He talked about the “new normal” of dealing with the US and key ingredients of cross border M&A activity, political and societal considerations, particularly in high-profile and cross-border transactions.
Felix Schönauer, CEO of Teneo Germany, led the discussion and guided participants through a forward-looking exchange on how companies are adjusting their M&A strategies in response to political, regulatory, and market uncertainties. Key themes included the importance of early understanding of stakeholders, proactive engagement and integrated communications strategies to support complex transactions. The conversation also highlighted the growing relevance of activism dynamics and the need for Boards and executive teams to prepare for intensified scrutiny from investors, policymakers, and the public. Participants included senior leaders of transatlantic companies and firms which contributed to a high-level exchange of perspectives on transatlantic M&A, regulatory developments, and strategic decision-making under conditions of heightened uncertainty.
The Expert Briefing concluded with a networking lunch, providing further opportunity for peer exchange. Overall, the session underscored that successful transatlantic M&A in 2026 will require not only financial and legal excellence, but also a deep understanding of geopolitical dynamics, regulatory expectations, and stakeholder communication in an increasingly complex global environment.
