Kick off the year with the Denver Chapter of the Exit Planning Institute, AM&AA and WoMAN as we explore the 2025 M&A landscape and look ahead to what 2026 has in store. Our panel of seasoned experts—Gary Curran, Carolyn Ryan, Russ Williams, and Bill Conway—will break down the trends, challenges, and opportunities that defined 2025 and share actionable insights for navigating the M&A market in 2026. Gain an insider’s perspective on what business owners need to know to maximize value and position their companies for a successful sale.
Learning Objectives:
1. Review key trends and developments in M&A activity from 2025.
2. Analyze the projected outlook for M&A in 2026, including anticipated market shifts.
3. Identify critical factors business owners should consider when preparing to sell in 2026.
4. Discuss how external economic conditions may influence deal structures and valuations. 5. Understand strategies to mitigate risks and enhance business value ahead of a sale.
About the Presenters:
Hear from industry experts Bill Conway, Carolyn Ryan, Russ Williams and Gary Curran.
Thank you to our Sponsors
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Who Should Attend?
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Attorneys
You have close relationships with clients, and can benefit from being the first advisor to introduce the idea of exit planning.
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CPAs/Accountants
Owners participating in the State of Owner Readiness research continue to indicate that you are the No. 1 "Most Trusted Advisor." You are a natural fit to lead the exit planning team and deepen your relationship (and retention) of next generation owners.
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Wealth Managers
You’re a skilled relationship person. Being entangled into your clients’ professional lives matters as you build a strategy to manage their wealth upon them harvesting it from their business. Exit planning allows you to build a deeper relationship with your client, expands your COI network, while giving you an early seat at table well before the liquidity event.
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Financial Advisors
One of the critical ‘legs of the stool’ is personal financing planning. An owner must have a strong financial plan & contingency plan post-transition to enable them to thrive in the next act of the lives personally and financially. Exit planning brings this future mindset into the present. Exit is now.
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Valuation Analysts
Valuation is both a billable engagement AND an opportunity to provide owners some perspective on how to accelerate value drivers (and deal with value killers). Use exit planning to make that valuation into a longer term value acceleration engagement.
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Investment Bankers
Only 2 of every 10 businesses that come to market actually sell. Learn how exit planning can bring attractive AND ready business to your purview.
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Estate Planners
Exit planning is a natural fit for estate planners who want to operate more holistically with their owner clients.
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Strategic Consultants
One of the most critical roles in exit planning is building transferable value. Strategic consultants have the ability to expand options and drive rapid business value that affect performance today.
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Insurance Professionals
Exit planning addresses the 5 D's. So do you. Approach the risk conversation differently with exit planning.
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Mergers & Acquisition Advisors
Proper exit planning causes less deals to fall through at the last minute. Connect with CEPAs to build your healthy deal flow network.
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Commercial Lenders
One of the best relationships a business owner makes is with their banker. How can you help your corporate clients think about the future and ensure financial continuity? Answer: exit planning.
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Family Business Advisors
More than 50% of lower middle market business owners would prefer to transition to the next generation. Help them succeed with exit planning strategies.
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Other Professional Advisors
Regardless of your unique specialty, there is seat at the exit planning table for you. Learn more at www.EarnCEPA.com.
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Private Business Owners
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Members of Family Business Boards
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Business Owners & Their Trusted Advisors
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Business Owners
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Other Business Professionals
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Business Consultants
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Professional Advisors
EXIT PLANNING IS GOOD BUSINESS STRATEGY
The Exit Planning Institute, provides Financial Advisors, Accountants, Consultants, and other advisors of business owners with the critical education to differentiate themselves and add value to their existing client relationships through a credential, conference, courses, and content. Download the CEPA brochure for more information.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Russ Williams, CFA
2026 EPI Panel Bio
Russ Williams is a partner at West Elk Partners, a values-based, people-centered independent sponsor focused on acquiring and scaling specialty manufacturing businesses across the U.S. He co-leads the firm’s deal sourcing, transaction execution, and post-close value-creation efforts—working closely with founders and management teams to build durable operational systems, strengthen leadership benches, and accelerate long-term growth. Guided by West Elk’s ethos of stewardship, Russ approaches every investment as a commitment to honoring a seller’s legacy, people, and purpose.
Before joining West Elk, Russ built deep experience as a CFO consultant specializing in business valuation, complex securities, and strategic finance. He has advised companies ranging from emerging-growth ventures to established middle-market operators, helping leadership teams navigate capital raises, accounting complexity, and high-stakes strategic decisions.
Outside the deal world, Russ is actively engaged in the Denver community. He is a partner with Social Venture Partners, where he advises local nonprofits on strategy, operations, and board development, and he serves as chair of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Alliance of M&A Advisors (AM&AA), helping strengthen Colorado’s dealmaking ecosystem.
A believer in showing up fully—professionally and personally—Russ spends his time outside the office with his family and exploring Colorado’s outdoors, fly fishing for trout, mountain biking, and chasing winter powder in the backcountry.