Virginia Hyland, Stephen von Muenster, Vince Meoli launch new advisory firm SQUAD M&A to back independent agencies on the path to sale

With private equity and global networks intensifying their investment in the marketing, data, tech and communications sector, a new specialist advisory firm, SQUAD M&A, has launched to guide independent creative, PR, media, tech and digital agencies through the complexities of sale, merger, or partnership, and to support Private Equity, Global Agencies and independents to identify and integrate acquisitions.

Founded by Virginia Hyland, considered a pioneer in the industry, ex-CEO of Havas Media ANZ, ex-Deputy Chair of the Media Federation of Australia and Founder of independent agency Hyland Media. SQUAD M&A brings together senior experts in commercial strategy, financial structuring, and legal negotiation to ensure every transaction achieves the right financial and cultural fit.

“I have experienced the entire journey of a founder from building and selling my business to Havas and I’ve walked in the shoes of the seller and the acquirer after overseeing the acquisition of Hotglue by Havas in 2024. Selling an agency is one of the most significant milestones in a founder’s career,” says Hyland. “Our mission is to ensure that independent agency owners find the right acquirer — one that values their vision, is supportive and collaborative, aligns culturally, and creates the foundation in partnership for continued growth on a global stage.”

The firm’s leadership team brings decades of combined experience in global mergers & acquisition and agency operations, uniting deep industry knowledge with hands-on dealmaking expertise.

Vince Meoli, Financial Partner at SQUAD M&A, has over 30 years’ experience as CFO for global holding companies, including WPP and Omnicom, industry bodies such as the AANA and leading independent agencies.

“Understanding the true financial narrative of an agency is critical to attracting the right partner,” says Meoli. “We help founders optimise their financial position and present a compelling growth story that resonates with sophisticated buyers and investors.”

Stephen von Muenster, Legal Partner Squad M&A and one of Australia’s most prominent and experienced commercial and IP lawyers in the media and communications industry, has advised on and provided support to numerous high-profile acquisitions for over two decades including Match Media, N2N Communications, Ikon Communications, Emotive, Mercer Bell, 303 MullenLowe, Four Pillars, Orchard Advertising and Bastion Branding as well as supporting the Media Federation of Australia to develop benchmark and best practice advertiser contract clause banks.

“The success of any M&A transaction lies in the structure of the agreement,” says von Muenster. “Our goal is to protect founders’ interests while crafting deals that set the stage for long-term success and cultural alignment. I dedicate time with the Founders, Shareholders and Acquirers to build trusted relationships leading to valuable contractual agreements long after the deal is done.”

The leadership team will also collaborate with CREATIVITY & COMMERCE founder Justin Drape to provide further creative industry knowledge and entrepreneurial experience when required.

As consolidation accelerates across the marketing industry, SQUAD M&A uniquely provides independent agencies and acquirers with a strategic advantage — combining legal precision, financial benchmark negotiations, and commercial strategic insight under one advisory team.

SQUAD M&A offers services spanning:

• Market positioning and valuation
• Buyer and investor targeting – global and local
• Strategic business structure insight
• Financial and commercial negotiation
• Legal structuring and due diligence
• Cultural and leadership alignment

Pictured (L-R): Vince Meoli, Virginia Hyland, Stephen von Muenster.