2026 M&A Market Update
An in-depth look at current capital markets activity and what’s shaping the deal environment heading into 2026. This session will explore trends in deal flow, evolving investment bank strategies, and valuation dynamics across sectors. We’ll also discuss how shifting macroeconomic conditions, interest rate expectations, and investor sentiment are influencing transaction structures and growth opportunities, with insights into what market participants should be watching as we move through 2026.
Jack Sadden | Co-Founder & Partner, Valesco Industries
Lindsey Wendler | Managing Director, 414 Capital
Gene Bazemore | Head of Industrial Group, Founders Advisors
Learning Objectives:
• Understand current capital markets trends and how they are expected to evolve in 2026
• Analyze recent deal flow activity and what it indicates about market momentum and sector opportunities
• Evaluate how valuation methodologies are shifting in response to macroeconomic conditions
LOCATION
USI Office
14241 Dallas Pkwy., Suite 700
Dallas TX 75254
SCHEDULE
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Check-in & Networking
5:30 - 6:20 p.m. Program | 1 CPE
6:20 - 6:45 p.m. Networking & Wrap-up
STRATEGIC INVESTORS
S+H Consulting
Greenberg Traurig
Weaver
USI
REGISTRATION
Registration deadline | Monday 1/26/26
Open to FEI Dallas members, and non-members with financial or executive roles in the private equity sector.
FEI Members – Register on this page.
Non-FEI Members (including Strategic Investors) – Contact Nancy Ehlers at nancy.ehlers@feidallas.org with the following information by the registration deadline.
Name
Company name
Job title
Address, City, State, ZIP
Email
Phone
Mobile phone (if different)
LinkedIn address
CPE CREDIT
This event offers 1.0 CPE credit via FEI’s CPE Center to attendees who complete pre-registration and sign in/out at the meeting.
Instructional Method: Group-Live
Recommended CPE Credits: 1.0 credit in Finance
Experience Level: Basic
Prerequisites/advance preparation: None
Financial Executives International is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.
For FEI CPE credits, one credit hour equals 50 minutes according to NASBA guidelines. Some States boards may differ on how many minutes constitute a credit hour. Contact your state board for more information.
CONTACT
Nancy Ehlers
FEI Dallas CPE Manager & Event Support
nancy.ehlers@feidallas.org