Monthly Luncheon: Investment Outlook & Deal Readiness: Markets, M&A, and Private Equity in Motion

Event Details

When:

August 18, 2026 11 AM - 1 PM CDT

Where:

Location Name

Edina Country Club

Location Address

5100 Wooddale Ave
Edina, MN 55424
United States

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Overview

Body

Join CLA's leaders in investment banking, wealth advisory, and deal services for a moderated fireside chat exploring today's investment landscape and its implications for middle-market transactions.

The discussion will examine the current macroeconomic environment, including inflation, interest rates, market valuations, private equity liquidity, and M&A readiness. Panelists will also share practical insights into the planning considerations business owners and investors should evaluate before and after a liquidity event.

What You'll Learn

How the current macroeconomic environment is shaping investment and deal activity
The outlook for inflation and interest rates and their impact on transactions
Trends in market valuations across the middle market
The state of private equity liquidity and capital deployment
Key factors driving M&A readiness for buyers and sellers
Strategic planning considerations before and after a liquidity event

Speakers

Stephanie Markert

CLA

Principal

Stephanie brings an objective moderator lens from outside the specialty areas, helping connect market outlook, private equity, transaction execution, and client planning into a conversation that resonates with the ACG audience.

Tony Hallada

CLA

Managing Principal

Tony brings the market and portfolio perspective: economic outlook, inflation, Fed policy, asset allocation, fixed income, and how business liquidity events connect to long-term wealth strategy.

Erin Mickels, CPA

CLA

Principal

Erin brings the deal services lens: transaction readiness, diligence, quality of earnings, value drivers, and the practical preparation owners and investors need to execute well in a bifurcated market.

David Shapiro

CLA

Managing Director

David brings the investment banking lens: what buyers are underwriting, where conviction is highest, how deal structure is evolving, and what owners should understand about timing, valuation, and process readiness.

Hosted by: ACG

Chapter

Minnesota