By Lou Sokolovskiy

While global healthcare megadeals still dominate the headlines, a potentially more transformative shift is happening in the U.S. lower- and middle-market space. This segment is drawing acquirers and investors with its blend of favorable credit, deregulatory momentum, demographic shifts, and tech acceleration. In particular, the following six sectors have seen increased M&A activity in recent months –  some at levels not witnessed in years—and here is why each one matters.