Exit Optional: The Real Playbook for Agency M&A
Friday, February 20, 2026 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm ET
A practical fireside chat on using acquisitions to accelerate growth—so you can keep your agency or sell it later on your terms.
Most agency owners treat M&A like a distant exit event. But acquisitions can be a practical, realistic way to accelerate growth—even for smaller agencies.
In this candid Bureau conversation, Steve Guberman and Peter Kang break down what agency M&A actually looks like at the operator level: what kinds of acquisitions are within reach, the myths that keep owners on the sidelines, and how deals can be used to add talent, increase EBITDA, expand into vertical markets, or acquire differentiated IP.
The goal isn’t “sell your agency.” It’s optionality—building a business you can grow, keep, or eventually sell on your terms.
Attendees will walk away with:
A clear, demystified view of agency M&A
Proof that acquisitions are more within reach than you think
A practical understanding of how deals get funded
A growth-first way to think about M&A
Clarity on readiness, timing, and common pitfalls
FREE FOR MEMBERS!
$49 FOR NONMEMBERS
Steve Guberman
Steve is the founder of Agency Outsight, where he helps agency owners build the business of their dreams—with clarity, purpose, and profit.
A former agency founder who successfully exited his own firm, Steve now guides creative, marketing, and digital leaders through growth, positioning, and the complex decisions that come with scaling or selling an agency. Drawing on his experience as both a coach and M&A advisor, he helps owners understand what truly drives long-term value—financially and personally.
As host of the Agency Bytes podcast, Steve shares real stories and lessons from top agency leaders to help others grow with intention.
Peter Kang
Peter is co-founder of Barrel Holdings, a holding company that acquires and grows specialized agency businesses across platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, and Webflow, with a focus on sectors including CPG and B2B technology.
A longtime agency operator and former CEO, Peter now works closely with agency leaders as an investor and advisor. He also runs AgencyHabits, a resource for agency owners focused on building durable, well-run firms.
Peter is also the author of The Holdco Guide, a practical field guide for entrepreneurs looking to sharpen their capital allocation skills and build long-term businesses. He lives in the Hudson Valley with his wife and three sons.
