Middle-market deal activity is entering a period where timing and preparation may matter more than ever. In this webinar, Lauren Saidel-Baker, Economist at ITR Economics, joins Tristan Tahmaseb, Director at ButcherJoseph & Co., to connect the macroeconomic outlook with what business owners and executives are seeing in today’s deal market.

Over the course of a 45-minute discussion, the speakers explore how shifting economic conditions, capital markets dynamics, and buyer behavior may shape transaction activity in the year ahead. The conversation focuses on why 2026 may represent a meaningful decision window for middle-market business owners considering a sale, recapitalization, ESOP transaction, refinancing, or other strategic alternatives.

The discussion also examines how stabilizing economic conditions, evolving buyer demand, and continued macro uncertainty are influencing valuation expectations, transaction timing, and deal structures across the middle market. The speakers share practical perspectives on what buyers are prioritizing today and how companies can position themselves to maximize value in an evolving market environment.

What You’ll Learn

  • How stabilizing economic conditions may influence valuations and deal activity
  • Why private equity sponsors may refocus on platform acquisitions and exits
  • How business owners should evaluate a refinance, recapitalization, or sale in the next 6–12 months

Whether you are actively evaluating a transaction or simply monitoring the landscape, this webinar provides timely insights into the strategic considerations business owners, boards, and advisors should be thinking about as they navigate the year ahead.

Watch the Webinar.

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