Middle Market Growth Conversations

Last August, President Trump issued an executive order for the Department of Labor and Securities and Exchange Commission to lay a framework allowing private equity investments within 401(k)s. The initiative would unlock a new, potentially massive source of capital. But democratizing private equity for retail investors would have many implications for firms, says Jim Walker, partner and global head of wealth at Adams Street Partners. He joins the podcast to discuss how this initiative might play out, how the PE community can prepare, and what firms can learn from existing funds developed for high net worth individuals. The Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To hear more interviews with middle-market dealmakers and industry experts, subscribe on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Michael Feuz, economist with ITR Economics, is back to share what middle-market business leaders and dealmakers can expect in the year ahead. From interest rates and inflation to deal flow and AI, Feuz discusses the biggest trends that will shape the economy in the U.S. and globally in 2026. The Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To hear more interviews with middle-market dealmakers and industry experts, subscribe on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

The shape that M&A takes in the first quarter of 2026 will color the mood at DealMAX and what dealmakers are looking to accomplish as they hit the deal floor in April. Doug Brookman, managing director at Mesirow Investment Banking and this year’s DealMAX chair, and Mike Alberts, principal and head of business development at Cohere Capital and vice president of ACG Boston, join the podcast for the second episode of the 2026 Inside DealMAX series to share how they expect deal flow to shape up in the early months of the year, their tips as DealMAX veterans, underrated DealMAX offerings, and more. Register today at dealmax.org to take advantage of the early registration rate, available until January 14. The Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To hear more interviews with middle-market dealmakers and industry experts, subscribe on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Roughly 16 weeks out from DealMAX 2026, we’re kicking off this year’s Inside DealMAX series, taking you behind the scenes of ACG’s flagship conference for the middle market, taking place April 27th through 29th at the ARIA in Las Vegas. Brent Baxter, CEO of ACG Global, and Suzie Doran, partner at SingerLewak and the incoming ACG chair, sit down with the podcast to discuss what they expect from the M&A market between now and late April, their most effective DealMAX hacks, and what to expect from this year’s conference. Register today at dealmax.org to take advantage of the early registration rate, available until January 14. The Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To hear more interviews with middle-market dealmakers and industry experts, subscribe on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Forvis Mazars recently held a set of exclusive events for high-level dealmakers, in partnership with ACG and GF Data, to dissect the latest data on deal activity and to take a look into what 2026 might hold for PE-backed midmarket M&A. Scott Linch of Forvis Mazars and Bob Dunn of GF Data join the podcast to share what they discovered about fundraising, exits, the performance of specific sectors, and much more. This episode is brought to you by Forvis Mazars, a leading global professional services network. The Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To hear more interviews with middle-market dealmakers and industry experts, subscribe on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

A recent survey of manufacturing executives conducted by Forvis Mazars found strong optimism for future growth, despite supplier price hikes, tariff shock waves, and other pressures. Bryan Wright, national manufacturing sector leader at Forvis Mazars, sits down with the podcast to share what’s driving this positive sentiment, how AI and automation are shaping the sector, and how he sees manufacturing M&A playing out in the year ahead. The Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To hear more interviews with middle-market dealmakers and industry experts, subscribe on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Past cycles have proven the beauty sector is resilient to downturns, but how will beauty M&A make out in the coming year? Fromm Beauty's Marty Okner and DC Advisory's Luc-Henry Rousselle join the podcast to discuss the most promising sectors, the challenges and opportunities in celebrity beauty brands, and what they expect for deals in 2026. The Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To hear more interviews with middle-market dealmakers and industry experts, subscribe on Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Christopher Russo, Founder and CEO of Fifth Generation Sports, shares his extensive sports industry expertise, including past roles with the NFL. He explores the booming $40 billion youth sports market, highlighting the appeal for private equity investors. Topics include niche opportunities in facilities, software, and streaming services. Russo warns of the risks of rising costs affecting families and discusses challenges like operator risk and due diligence. He also points to growing trends in women’s sports and collectibles as exciting investment avenues.

Doug Farren, Executive Director of the National Center for the Middle Market, dives into new research on private equity’s impact on midmarket businesses. He debunks myths around PE with compelling data showing that PE-backed firms exhibit stronger revenue and employment growth. Farren discusses how PE partnerships bring valuable resources and expertise, fostering job creation. However, he also addresses concerns about costs and control for business owners. Ultimately, PE-backed companies harbor an optimistic outlook, thanks to enhanced support and strategies.

Regina Carls, Managing Director at J.P. Morgan and founder of the ESOP Advisory Group, shares her 33 years of expertise on employee stock ownership plans. She debunks myths about ESOPs, emphasizing their tax advantages and flexibility for middle-market firms. The rising popularity of ESOPs is attributed to tax policies, legacy motives, and positive community impact. Regina also highlights common industries where ESOPs thrive, offering actionable advice for companies considering this ownership structure.