CommPRO spoke with Dan Scorpio, Senior Managing Director in M&A and Activism, Strategic Communications at FTI Consulting, whose sharp perspective on shareholder activism makes clear that companies are now operating in a constant, high-stakes environment where preparation and strategic communications can no longer be reactive.

As M&A activity accelerates in 2026, communications, investor engagement and policy strategy are becoming essential to successfully navigating complex transactions and winning stakeholder support.

As M&A activity gains momentum in 2026, communications and investor relations leaders are navigating deals under heightened scrutiny, faster stakeholder reactions, and increasingly complex expectations.

New data from Deloitte points to renewed optimism in M&A for 2026, but with volatility still front and center, deal success is increasingly tied to how well organizations communicate before, during, and after a transaction.

As M&A activity accelerates and shareholder activism continues to reshape corporate decision-making, transaction communications is no longer a support function. It has become a core driver of deal certainty, value preservation, and leadership credibility.

Activist pressure isn’t slowing down, and Scorpio says corporate leaders better get proactive fast.