Plagued by price discrepancy, rising costs of capital, volatility in equity markets, and uncertain earnings and growth forecasts, M&A deal values and volumes fell in 2023 down 16 percent in dollar terms. Halfway into 2024 with markets pricing in future rate cuts, how might M&A rebound across an uncertain landscape. Will headwinds from private equity such as distributions to paid-in capital influence more exits? And how might all-time high dry powder impact the rise we see in take-private deals? Finally, how might management priorities for AI dominance influence consolidation and acquisition across an industry that already tops $200 billion in private valuation?