Vince Meoli, Virginia Hyland and Stephen von Muenster. Credit: SQUAD M&A
Virginia Hyland, fresh from heading Havas Media ANZ, has launched SQUAD M&A, a specialist advisory firm to guide independent creative, PR, media, tech and digital agencies through sales, mergers and partnerships.
The firm also advises private equity groups, global networks and independents on identifying and integrating acquisitions.
Hyland, who also served as deputy chair of the Media Federation of Australia, said her experience selling Hyland Media to Havas and later overseeing Havas’ acquisition of Hotglue in 2024 inspired the venture.
“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,” Hyland said.
“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.”
Joining Hyland are financial partner Vince Meoli and legal partner Stephen von Muenster.
Meoli has held senior finance roles across WPP, Omnicom, the AANA and independent agencies.
“Understanding the true financial narrative of an agency is critical to attracting the right partner,” Meoli said.
“We help founders optimise their financial position and present a compelling growth story that resonates with sophisticated buyers and investors.”
Von Muenster has advised on transactions for Match Media, N2N Communications, Ikon Communications, Emotive, Mercer Bell, 303 MullenLowe, Mumbrella, Four Pillars, Orchard Advertising and Bastion Branding.
“The success of any M&A transaction lies in the structure of the agreement,” von Muenster said.
“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 work with Creativity & Commerce founder Justin Drape to provide additional creative and entrepreneurial insight when required.
Hyland said consolidation across the marketing sector has increased the need for advisors who understand both agency operations and deal-making.
SQUAD M&A aims to give independents and acquirers a commercial and cultural edge through combined legal, financial and strategic expertise.
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