Insurance brokerage M&A remains highly active despite growing uncertainty, with 300 U.S. transactions announced through June 2026—only 3% below last year’s pace. Private capital interest is also growing, with 47 PE- or family office-backed buyers, up nearly 24% year over year.
Key takeaways include:
- The M&A market remains very active and crowded with buyers.
- Valuations remain at all-time highs, but those levels aren’t guaranteed. Average guaranteed valuations are around 11.5x pro forma EBITDA, while softening insurance rates and pressure on organic growth could weigh on future multiples.
- Agency owners must continually evaluate their path forward, focusing on evolving client needs and whether they’re positioned for long-term growth.
Importantly, organic growth remains the biggest valuation differentiator, with buyers rewarding firms that demonstrate consistent new business generation over multiple years. For many sellers, M&A is increasingly about finding a partner that can accelerate future growth and success—not simply executing an exit.
