Insights

Statistical analysis and insight into activity and trends in M&A and capital markets.

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Recent Investment Banking Insights

Monday, April 13, 2026

A Business Owner’s Guide to the Spectrum of Liquidity Options

Explore liquidity options for founders. From dividend recaps to strategic sales, learn to balance post-transaction control with your short and long-term goals.
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Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Funding the Future: The Capital Sources Fueling AI

Investment Banking’s Anu Sharma and Jim O’Connor discuss potential sources, incentives, and implications for AI capital formation.
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Thursday, April 2, 2026

The Quarterly Rx: Q1 2026 U.S. Biopharma Recap

The U.S. biopharma sector demonstrated resilience in the first quarter of 2026, building on its recovery despite geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty.
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Wednesday, April 1, 2026

The Forces Reshaping Energy Markets

As electricity demand rises and new technologies emerge, investment across traditional and next-generation energy infrastructure will play a critical role in powering the transition.
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Monday, March 30, 2026

How New State Sustainability Laws Are Set to Affect Packaging

New state Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are set to cause ripples across the packaging industry.
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Thursday, March 26, 2026

William Blair Private Capital Advisory: 2026 Secondary Market Report

Driven by all-time highs in both GP- and LP-led transactions, the secondary market continued its record-breaking run in 2025—and market insiders are projecting $250 billion in total volume this year.
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Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Aviation Services Industry Update

2025 ended with strong momentum in business aviation, fueled by a global increase in flight activity, while engine bottlenecks and MRO capacity constraints persist and market expansion continues.
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Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Interviewing Investors: A Step-by-Step Guide for Business Owners

The due diligence process is a two-way street—and business owners should perform detailed evaluations of potential partners.
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Thursday, January 29, 2026

Going for Gold: After a Respectable 2025, Does a Resurgence Await?

The leveraged finance market proved resilient in 2025, with stable-to-rising activity despite policy swings and economic uncertainty. With borrower-friendly conditions and anticipated M&A momentum, 2026 is poised for a stronger finish if volatility stays contained.
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Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Lawn Care’s Expansion Into Pest Control, Broader Outdoor Recurring Services

Lawn care companies are evolving into broader outdoor services platforms. Jack Williams from William Blair’s Investment Banking consumer products & services team delves into what’s behind this evolution and how it is stoking transaction activity.
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Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Transition to Liquidity: Lessons From William Blair’s Business Owners Forum

William Blair’s Chris Brathwaite and Andrew Hansen share key considerations for entrepreneurs and business owners about pre-liquidity planning and the transaction process.
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