Insights from executives at Possible highlighted a cooling merger and acquisition market, prospects of retail media, and the significant role of sports in unifying divisions. Christopher Vollmer from MediaLink noted a disappointing M&A landscape influenced by uncertainty, particularly around tariffs affecting future valuations. Conversations also touched upon agencies navigating mixed ad market conditions, with executives analyzing cost-reduction strategies amidst global economic challenges. The discussions underscore critical issues faced by businesses while adapting to changing market dynamics and consumer expectations.
Christopher Vollmer, managing director at MediaLink, said the M&A market had been expected to be red hot after the election last fall, but has cooled off considerably since Jan. 1 - even though deals are still getting done notably in sports, which he described as an 'attractive' deals market.
'Anyone who's having a conversation with the CFO about is, how quickly (if we need to) can we take costs out? If tariffs are imposed, that could affect companies that have earnings all over the world.'
It's been a very disappointing M&A market even before the most recent series of on-again off-again on-again tariff speculation. These uncertainties mean potential buyers are hesitant.
On the agency side, the outlook for the ad marketplace is definitely mixed. Sean Moran, COO of Evergreen Trading, described his agency as 'a foam pit' for clients and media.
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