Quick Details
- Date: October 8, 2026
- Time: 3:20 – 4:30 pm
- Location: Park City, UT
Session Overview
M&A activity continues to reshape the independent PR agency landscape, with private equity-backed platforms, strategic buyers, and agency consolidators all competing for high-quality firms. While market conditions, buyer preferences, and valuations continue to evolve, one principle remains constant: agencies that are well prepared have the greatest flexibility and the strongest strategic options.
This session will provide a practical look at the forces shaping today’s agency M&A market, including buyer activity, valuation trends, and evolving deal structures. Attendees will gain insights into why preparation is one of the most important drivers of successful outcomes, covering both owner readiness and agency readiness, as well as the steps firms can take to strengthen their value over time. The discussion will also explore how agencies can pursue a strategic path of organic growth, build scale, and position themselves to meet the size, performance, and operational benchmarks that can expand future transaction opportunities and strategic options.
Whether your goal is continued independence, accelerated growth, outside investment, acquisition, succession planning, or an eventual sale, you’ll leave with practical insights into building a stronger, more valuable agency and preparing for whatever comes next.
Speaker
- Brad Schwartzberg, Partner/Co-Chair, Corporate + Transactions