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ACG Boston’s DealFest Northeast
When: June 16, 2026
Location: Boston, MA
People: Benjamin J. Armour

Sullivan & Worcester sponsored a panel discussion at this year’s ACG DealFest Northeast, which took place June 15–16 at the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston, as part of its broader Platinum Sponsorship of the conference.

Benjamin Armour moderated the panel discussion, "The Rise of the Independent Sponsor," which explored the continued evolution of the independent sponsor model and its growing influence in the private equity and M&A landscape, including shifting capital sources, flexible deal structures and the appeal of operator-led investment strategies. Panelists discussed how independent sponsors are winning competitive deal processes, building investor relationships and reshaping expectations for entrepreneurs and sellers.

Joining the panel were Gabrielle Piasio, Head of Fund & Sponsor Banking at Grasshopper Bank, and Ben Brandes, Founder and Partner at NewOrigin Investments, with Ben moderating the discussion.