For industry professionals, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) represent a dynamic ecosystem in which relationships are crucial to success. According to Walden M&A President John Phillips, events like M&A South 2025 provide opportunities to build and strengthen meaningful connections, leading to tangible results.
“M&A South 2025 is an opportunity for buyers and sellers’ representatives to meet face-to-face,” Phillips said. “You have private equity firms, large corporate strategic buyers, and an entire network of people who are looking to make connections for future deals.”
This concentration of industry professionals creates a unique space for identifying and engaging with potential buyers. “As M&A advisors,” Phillips said, “we develop those relationships so our clients have direct access to people who are buying in their specific industry.”
Why M&A South 2025 Matters
Hosted by Atlanta’s Association for Corporate Growth, M&A South kicks off the new year for the M&A industry. The event brings a diverse range of buyers together, including private equity firms and strategic corporations actively seeking investment opportunities.
In a sense, the event facilitates successful transactions by gathering a curated group of buyers and sellers in one place.
“I deal with a lot of manufacturing,” Phillips said. “M&A South 2025 helps me find buyers who are interested in manufacturing and industrial services.” In simple terms, dealmakers can increase the likelihood and frequency of successful transactions by connecting with the most relevant players at M&A South.
First-Timer Tips For M&A South 2025
For first-timers, Phillips says maximizing M&A South 2025 requires proactive engagement.
In his experience, the most value from the event comes from connecting with buyers and others in your field to learn from their experiences and expand your professional network.
“I think the key is to make time for the folks you actually want to meet,” Phillips said. “Don’t take a passive approach. Find the people you want to meet beforehand. Reach out to them, set up an appointment, and manage your schedule so it doesn’t become overwhelming.”
The sheer volume of opportunities available at M&A South makes careful planning and execution vital for the three-day event. Time management is key for attendees who want to leave with meaningful connections and actionable insights.
“The event has an app which includes all of the attendees and their profiles, what they’re looking for, and what they’re investing in,” Phillips said. “You can use the app to set up meetings in advance of the event. I had about 42 meetings over the 72-hour event last year.”
Scaling in the Southeast
The high representation of participants from the Southeast, combined with the event’s size, creates a distinctive opportunity for buyers and M&A professionals at M&A South 2025.
“The Southeastern aspect is important,” said Phillips. “Seller representatives come to meet M&A firms and buyers who are active in the region, and there are a thousand or more attendees over the three-day period. Meeting the people you’re after at national events can be challenging, whereas at M&A South, you can meet almost everyone in the areas you’re focused on.”
Will you be at M&A South 2025 this year? If so, please stop by Walden’s exhibitor booth during the event — or better yet, let’s connect ahead of time.
Email John Phillips at jp@waldenma.com before the event. John and the Walden M&A team can help you connect with the right people and maximize your time at this crucial industry gathering.
You can also request time on John’s calendar and connect with him on LinkedIn here.
M&A South 2025 is a premier three-day networking event taking place February 3-5, 2025, at The Hotel at Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia. Participants will have opportunities to meet with top private equity groups, investment banks, and mezzanine capital providers. Click here to learn more and register for M&A South.