Global M&A Leaders Convene in Dublin for IMAP Spring Conference 2026
More than 100 M&A professionals from across IMAP gathered in Dublin for the Spring 2026 Conference, bringing together global perspectives at a time when cross-border activity and strategic repositioning are firmly back in focus.
Hosted by Key Capital - IMAP Ireland, the conference combined strategic discussion, market insight, and cross-border collaboration in a location that continues to play a central role in international dealmaking.
The conference opened with the IMAP Executive Board meeting, where partners discussed the strategy and roadmap for the partnership.
The evening symposium featured keynote speaker Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, who shared perspectives on multinational investment and growth in Ireland, reinforcing why Dublin was a fitting setting for this year’s conference.
Ireland has a strong domestic M&A market, while also offering real international depth and options beyond Ireland for business owners looking to scale and internationalize.
Transactions, Growth and International Expansion
Across the conference, sessions focused on the realities of growth, deal execution, and expansion in today’s market.
Partners shared learnings from recent mergers, scaling journeys, and key global transactions. A panel moderated by Tom Lyons, CEO of The Currency, brought together Alan Walsh, CEO of IPL Scholler, and Mark McGreevy, CEO of Collen, to discuss international expansion strategies and the practical realities of scaling businesses successfully.
These discussions kept the focus on what matters most in mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, and corporate finance: how businesses grow, how transactions are executed, and how opportunities are developed across borders.
Bilateral Meetings and IMAP Collaboration
Alongside the formal program, over the three days, partners held a series of bilateral meetings - a core element of every IMAP conference.
These meetings are central to the value of the partnership, creating space for focused discussions, stronger alignment, and the progression of opportunities across the partnership. They also reflect one of IMAP’s core strengths: the ability to combine trusted local relationships with global reach.
AI, Sector Specialization and the Evolving M&A Landscape
The final day brought together several of the themes currently shaping the M&A landscape.
Discussions included increasing sector specialization, the emergence of global “mega-verticals”, and the role of AI in dealmaking. A panel explored how IMAP teams are approaching the use of AI, as well as the opportunities and risks it presents in practice.
These conversations reflected the broader direction of the market: more specialized sector knowledge, deeper expertise, and a more considered approach to how new technology is applied in advisory work.
Catalyzing Culture & Deal Generation
The conference also included a session on partner initiatives focused on catalyzing culture, building influence, and driving deal generation.
Filming also took place throughout the conference, capturing expert insights on mid-market M&A to be shared in the coming months.
Together, these sessions reflected a continued focus not only on transactions, but also on strengthening the partnership and driving collaboration across the teams wordwide.
Recognizing Excellence Across the Partnership
The 2025 IMAP Awards celebrated and recognized the achievements and contributions of dealmakers around the world.
Among the honorees, the late Rohit Walia was posthumously awarded the IMAP Spirit Award.
A Global M&A Partnership in Action
Following a spectacular Gala Dinner at Christ Church Cathedral, the conference concluded with an evening of traditional Irish dancing and folk music - a memorable close to several days of discussion, collaboration, and shared insight.
IMAP extends its thanks to all partners, speakers, and guests who contributed to the success of the conference, and to Key Capital - IMAP Ireland for hosting the event in Dublin.
The partnership now looks ahead to its next global gathering in Bucharest later this year.
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