M&A in 2018: A Look at the Year Ahead

After record levels of dealmaking the prior two years, 2017 saw a slight decline in both the volume and number of U.S. private equity deals. With technology disrupting every industry, multiples remaining high, and fundraising reaching record levels, what will M&A look like in 2018?

During Katz, Sapper & Miller’s roundtable at The M&A Advisor’s Annual Summit, a panel of M&A experts answered that question by sharing their own experiences and exploring the results of the second annual M&A Trends Survey. Conducted by KSM and The M&A Advisor, the survey asked corporate executives, attorneys, investment bankers, lenders, consultants, and other M&A service providers to share their views on the latest market trends and outlook for the coming year.

Going beyond a summary of market influences, the survey provides insight on how M&A professionals are navigating challenges and leveraging opportunities in an environment with high multiples and strong competition. By coupling the survey results with analysis from four high level M&A professionals – Jason Barg, partner at Lovell Minnick Partners; Jolyne Caruso, founder and CEO of The Alberleen Group; John S. Castle, managing partner at Branford Castle Partners; and Douglas Hendrickson, partner at MidCap Advisors – this report provides deep insight into what dealmakers can expect in the year ahead.