Solomon Connects

In this episode of Solomon Connects, Solomon Partners’ Head of M&A and COO of Investment Banking Jeff Jacobs joins M&A Director Chris Moynihan to discuss how shareholder activism is becoming more prevalent, faster-moving, and increasingly focused on strategic change rather than simply financial performance and governance. They explore how activists are positioning themselves as constructive partners and why proactive self-assessment, clear communication, and shareholder engagement are critical as companies head into the upcoming proxy season.

Solomon Partners’ Head of M&A and COO of Investment Banking Jeff Jacobs sits down with M&A Director Chris Moynihan to discuss their M&A outlook for 2026. The conversation highlights key themes to watch for this year, including sponsor exit momentum, a renewed IPO market, increased in‑sector strategic consolidation, and a more accommodating regulatory environment.

This cross‑industry roundtable from Solomon Partners examines how the M&A landscape evolved in 2025 and the factors expected to shape deal activity in 2026 across healthcare, technology, and financial services. Industry coverage bankers Jon Pritti, James Butcher, and Alex DeOteris join M&A Director Chris Moynihan to discuss key macro and sector themes, including evolving sponsor dynamics, AI’s accelerating market influence, cross-platform collaboration and more.

Solomon Partners’ Managing Director Matthew Cornish from our Financial Institutions Group joins M&A Director Chris Moynihan to unpack the evolving market for illiquid financial assets, with a particular focus on tax receivable agreements (TRAs). They discuss the rise in interest for TRAs, navigating conflicts these agreements create for boards and shareholders, and best practices for managing and retiring these liabilities to enhance shareholder value.

Solomon Partners’ Head of M&A and COO of Investment Banking Jeff Jacobs joins M&A Director Chris Moynihan to discuss strategic discipline in M&A and lessons learned from the recent unwinding of several marquee M&A transactions. They unpack underlying challenges — from debt burdens to market shifts — and share how boards can stress-test mergers to ensure sustainable, long-term value.

Solomon Partners’ Craig Muir, Head of Software, Data & Analytics, joins Jeff Jacobs, Head of M&A and COO of Investment Banking to discuss how AI, data, and tech-enabled services are reshaping dealmaking in tech. They unpack M&A trends and valuation strategies as the year wraps up and we look ahead to 2026.

Arik Rashkes, Head of Solomon’s Financial Institutions Group (FIG), joins Chris Moynihan to discuss the evolving M&A landscape across insurance, wealth management, asset management and specialty finance sub-sectors. From increasing deal activity across distribution businesses to strategic consolidation and unbundling trends and the role of private equity, the episode explores key trends shaping FIG and what’s ahead for 2026.

Solomon Partners’ Head of M&A and COO of Investment Banking Jeff Jacobs joins M&A Director Chris Moynihan to unpack the momentum in the M&A market, despite the uncertainty earlier in the year. They explore the forces driving strategic consolidation and large-cap private equity transactions—offering insights into what’s fueling activity and what to expect heading into 2026.

Solomon’s Head of Healthcare Jon Hammack and Partner Jon Pritti explore the dynamics shaping today’s healthcare M&A market. Healthcare remains a resilient sector despite macroeconomic headwinds and continued interest rate and LP liquidity pressures. They share insights on why momentum is expected to build through late 2025 and into 2026.

Solomon Partners’ Head of M&A and COO of Investment Banking Jeff Jacobs joins M&A Director Chris Moynihan to discuss how the M&A process has evolved from a one-off event into a repeatable growth engine for acquirers. They break down the consistent drivers of deal success—clear strategy, holistic due diligence, and strong post-deal integration.