This year’s M&A South 2025 conference in Alpharetta, Georgia, proved to be a valuable experience for Walden M&A, offering insights into current market trends and fostering connections with private equity groups.
Many of our Principals attended the event, including Dean McDonald. He shares his key takeaways, which included an optimistic atmosphere and numerous opportunities for fellow M&A professionals.
Private Equity Interest
One notable takeaway from AGC Atlanta’s M&A South event was the strong interest in acquisitions across a variety of sectors from private equity groups.
While some firms focused on specific industries like manufacturing, technology, medical, or service businesses, others adopted a more generalist approach with more emphasis on company size and profitability.
In McDonald’s experience, the minimum EBITDA amount for target acquisitions was in the seven- to eight-figure range, although some groups were seeking larger deals.
Some firms also discussed their processes for integrating a new management team immediately upon acquisition, streamlining their approach and significantly simplifying the transition process for willing sellers.
“Some had their own process for bringing in a management team right from the start when they put a company under a letter of intent,” McDonald said, “This process can be very beneficial for an owner who wants to retire.”
In-Depth, In-Person Conversations
M&A South also provided a platform for in-depth discussions about specific opportunities with private equity groups.
“A number of groups wanted to know what kind of companies I was working with or what I had in my pipeline,” McDonald said. “They definitely wanted to find out what I had coming up or what might be on the horizon.”
These in-person conversations enabled the Walden team to better understand various firms’ specific needs and investment strategies, facilitating more targeted matchmaking with potential clients.
Educational Seminars & Key M&A South Takeaways
The educational seminars at M&A South also offered valuable insights and practical benefits. Topics ranged from market trends and multiples to tax considerations and legal aspects of M&A transactions.
“You always learn something new at these events,” McDonald said. “We left with more strategies to safeguard our clients from legal considerations like employment agreements or non-competes.”
Market Sentiment & Outlook
The overall sentiment at the conference was highly optimistic.
“Everyone I spoke to is really excited about opportunities this year,” McDonald said. “Multiples are still high, so it’s a really good time for sellers to look at selling their business.”
The continuing market strength for sellers and aggressive deal-making activity are contributing to a favorable environment for M&A transactions.
Networking & Follow-Up
Finally, the most salient M&A South takeaways for attendees were the connections made, which are invaluable for developing buyer and seller relationships.
“I’m glad I met so many groups and companies there, and we will definitely have some opportunities to do some deals with them,” McDonald said. “It was a great opportunity and well worth the money and time.”
M&A South provided Walden and many other attendees with valuable market intelligence and essential opportunities to meet buyers and industry professionals in person. The Walden team left the event with important new connections and information to better serve our M&A clients in 2025 and beyond.
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