M&A Review
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS
Q2 2026
What’s Inside?
In this report, we examine the key trends and major M&A transactions in the Workforce Solutions industry for the second quarter of 2026. Deal volume moderated from the exceptionally active first quarter of the year, but the quarter was marked by a clear step-up in deal size — headlined by Korn Ferry's $1.1bn acquisition of AMS — and strategic buyers continued to dominate transactions.
- Other Workforce Solutions led M&A activity in Q2 2026, rising to 23% of recorded deals, while Commercial Staffing, the most active sub-sector of the previous quarter, fell back to 17% (from 29% in Q1 2026). IT Staffing (12%) and Place & Search (11%) followed, with Healthcare Staffing accounting for a further 9%.
- Geographically, Europe led M&A activity by region in Q2 2026, capturing the largest share of both buyers and targets. North America followed, maintaining its position as a key transaction hub, while the United States remained the single most-targeted country. Activity in the Asia-Pacific region was once again led by Japan.
This report offers a detailed analysis of recent M&A activity in the Workforce Solutions industry over the second quarter of 2026.