Clearsight’s 2025 Year in Review
As I reflect on 2025, what stands out most is the trust our clients continued to place in us and the exceptional way our team rose to meet that responsibility. The core of our business has always been straightforward to articulate yet hard to execute well: prepare rigorously, align early, and deliver with discipline. That mindset powered another successful year for Clearsight.
Clients turned to us for guidance on milestone decisions, and we responded with clarity, conviction, and a deep commitment to outcomes. We signed 20 transactions in 2025, bringing Clearsight to more than 170 successful transactions in our history. This year’s work reflected both the strength of our core franchise and the breadth of our capabilities, from founder-owned sell-side engagements to corporate divestitures and transactions supporting majority investment and recapitalization objectives. Private equity sponsors participated in 70% of our engagements, a testament to the strength of our position in an attractive market.
The depth of our sector focus remains a defining advantage. Our market-leading practices across Strategic Business Advisory and Professional Services; Digital, Data, and Cloud Services; and Healthcare and Life Sciences Services drove the largest share of 2025 deal activity. We also accelerated into Cybersecurity, Information Services, and Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, completing landmark transactions that reflected rising market demand.
Client highlights included digital engineering leader Unosquare; cybersecurity specialist Ultimate Knowledge Institute (UKi); operational management consultancies Beckway and Applied Value; and healthcare consultancy Hayden Consulting Group, each a strong example of how we help category-defining firms reach their next chapter.
Our ability to deliver for clients starts with how we invest in our people. In 2025, we welcomed nine new colleagues and celebrated eight promotions, expanding both the capacity and capability of our team. Our bankers engaged with clients and prospects across seven countries and participated in more than 15 industry conferences, reinforcing our global connectivity and on-the-ground insight.
We also continued to lead initiatives that strengthen the broader M&A community. At Clearsight’s proprietary Knowledge Economy Summit, we hosted 250 senior business leaders, private equity investors, and corporate development professionals for a candid dialogue on the impact of AI on the Knowledge Economy. The event facilitated more than 600 one-on-one networking meetings among attendees, solidifying the summit as a cornerstone gathering for our ecosystem.
Our thought leadership reached wider audiences through industry media and partner platforms including ACG’s Middle Market Growth Magazine, NOTUS, ALM’s Consulting Magazine, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman webinars, and Private Equity Career LLC, where we focused on practical value-creation for services businesses.
Just as important, 2025 was a year in which our people lived our values beyond the deal sheet. We celebrated with colleagues who welcomed new family members, got engaged, moved homes, and reached meaningful wellness milestones. In every setting, they embodied the attributes that define Clearsight; Integrity, Teamwork, Intellectual Curiosity, Client Service, and People Focus. I am deeply grateful to work alongside colleagues who bring both excellence and heart to the firm every day.
As we look ahead in 2026, we expect selective, high-quality processes to continue to drive favorable outcomes across the Knowledge Economy. In discussions with clients, private equity partners and competitors, a robust 2026 is coming into focus. Our new client mandates and prospective process launches seem to bode well for an interesting and active year in the Knowledge Economy M&A markets. Increasing Private Equity interest in the sector is driving demand and valuations. Put simply, it is shaping up to be an exciting year ahead.
To all our clients, colleagues, families, and friends, thank you for your trust and partnership. We wish you a healthy, joyful, and prosperous new year ahead.
Best,
Chief Executive Officer, Clearsight Advisors
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