Companies that heavily invested in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) during previous economic booms are now facing challenges, leading them to sell these assets at significantly reduced prices. Notable firms, including Alibaba and BlackBerry, are offloading poorly timed acquisitions, raising concerns about the actual returns promised by private equity. This trend indicates a potential shift in the market, as companies reflect on their past decisions and the implications of their acquisition strategies. Experts warn that this could be a precursor to a new M&A boom, but advise caution for investors navigating this landscape.