The healthcare M&A market hasn’t slowed down, but it has gotten harder to win. For practice owners and healthcare entrepreneurs, the first quarter of 2026 is revealing a clear shift. Buyers are becoming more selective, and operations matter more than anything for quality businesses.
In this short quarterly bonus episode of The Advisor’s Table, Michael and Brian break down what’s driving these shifts, including rising cost of capital, increased private equity scrutiny, and evolving deal structures.
Q1 2026 Market Highlights
- Buyer selectivity has increased. Private equity groups are taking longer to diligence and are more focused on operational fundamentals than top-line growth alone.
- Cost of capital remains elevated. Higher interest rates continue to influence deal structures, with more creative financing becoming the norm.
- Operational excellence is the differentiator. Practices with clean financials, strong teams, and consistent growth command premium multiples.
- Deal volume remains healthy. Despite increased scrutiny, transaction activity across dental, healthcare, and business services remains robust.
What This Means for Practice Owners
If you’re thinking about selling your business or practice or want to better understand your position in today’s market, this episode provides a clear, real-time perspective on where the market stands and what buyers are looking for.
Listen to the full episode above for the complete Q1 2026 market update.