Chemicals M&A: Reshaping for Resilience and Innovation in 2026

Amid geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and macroeconomic uncertainty under the new U.S. administration, the chemicals M&A market in 2026 remains selective amid oversupply and weak demand. However, a strong wave of portfolio optimization is driving activity through large-scale carve-outs, non-core divestitures, and strategic consolidations focused on profitability, sustainability, and circular economy solutions. AI integration and digital transformation are fueling renewed private equity interest and targeted deals in green chemistry and resilient supply chains. Join leading executives to explore how to navigate short-term headwinds while capitalizing on these structural tailwinds to deliver long-term returns and competitiveness.

Bios:

Denis Samokhval is a Managing Director in the Investment Banking Division at Barclays, based in London. Samokhval has advised on numerous high-profile mergers, acquisitions, and capital markets transactions, particularly in the chemicals, materials, and industrials sectors. He holds a MSc in Energy Finance from City University (London) and a BSc in Inter-national Economics from Belarus State Economic University.

Jeff Chen is a Managing Director in the chemicals group at Piper Sandler. Previously, he spent 16 years at Lazard leading the private market advisory for the chemicals and materials practice. Chen has advised on over 50 merger and acquisition transactions and capital raises for a wide variety of clients. He holds a BS from Stanford University, MS in Engineering from Princeton University, and an MBA from MIT.

Ryan Berman is a Managing Director of Arsenal Capital Partners. Mr. Berman re-joined Arsenal in 2018 after receiving his M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to attending Wharton, he was an Associate with Arsenal. Before joining Arsenal in 2013, Mr. Berman was an Investment Banking Analyst at Credit Suisse in their industrials group. He graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Economics from Yale University in 2011. He currently serves on the boards of AvCarb and Fenzi, and previously served on the boards of Applied Adhesives and ATP Adhesive Systems. He has served as a CME Board Member since November 2024.