A New M&A Cycle with ACG CEO Brent Baxter

A Grounded Look at Deal Flow, AI, and the Power of Relationships in 2026

ACG CEO Brent Baxter joined The M&A Advisor Podcast for an episode titled “Swell: The New M&A Cycle.” Baxter offers a grounded view of where middle-market dealmaking stands heading into 2026—investment bankers are pitching more, PE firms are preparing for exits, and capital is looking for a home. The environment isn’t explosive. It’s a steady build.

“Investment bankers are pitching more. Private equity firms are holding assets longer and preparing for exits. Capital is still there—and it’s looking for a home. The outlook for 2026 isn’t explosive. It’s ‘swell.’”

— Brent Baxter, CEO, Association for Corporate Growth

The conversation also covers how AI is beginning to shape value creation, the growing prevalence of sponsor-to-sponsor transactions, and why relationships remain the driving force behind deals. It’s a must-listen for dealmakers, private equity professionals, and advisors navigating the middle market in the year ahead.