Virginia Hyland returns with new M&A advisory for indie agencies

Virginia Hyland is back - and this time she’s on the other side of the table. Just months after her departure from Havas Media, the former CEO has launched SQUAD M&A, a specialist advisory firm designed to help independent agencies navigate the world of mergers, acquisitions and partnerships.

The new venture comes as private equity and global networks ramp up their buying sprees across the marketing, tech and communications sectors. Hyland said SQUAD M&A aims to give indie founders a fighting chance - guiding them through valuations, deal structures, cultural fit and negotiation as they consider selling, merging or scaling.

Hyland, who sold her eponymous agency Hyland Media to Havas in 2020 before taking the top job at Havas Media ANZ, said she’s experienced “the entire founder journey - from building and selling a business to walking in the shoes of the acquirer.”

“Selling an agency is one of the most significant milestones in a founder’s career,” Hyland said in a press release. “Our mission is to ensure independent agency owners find the right acquirer - one that values their vision, aligns culturally, and creates the foundation for continued growth on a global stage.”

The SQUAD M&A leadership team brings heavyweight credentials from the global agency world. Vince Meoli, Financial Partner, has held CFO roles across WPP, Omnicom, the AANA and multiple independents, while Stephen von Muenster, Legal Partner, has advised a string of media deals involving Emotive, 303 MullenLowe and Bastion.

“The success of any M&A transaction lies in the structure of the agreement,” said von Muenster. “Our goal is to protect founders’ interests while crafting deals that set the stage for long-term success and cultural alignment.”

Hyland’s return to the spotlight comes after a complicated split from Havas earlier this year that resulted in legal action. She left the network in July following a four-year run that saw her integrate Hyland Media into the Havas Group and lead the business through a period of transformation and acquisition activity, including Havas’ 2024 purchase of Hotglue.