AHQ Council · San Diego: Brokered vs. Proprietary Deals

​AHQ Council · San Diego

​Brokered vs. Proprietary Deals

​May 20, 2026

​Should you pursue brokered deals or build a proprietary sourcing engine?

​This AHQ Council panel brings together multiple perspectives from across the deal ecosystem to explore the real trade-offs between brokered and off-market acquisitions, and how sophisticated buyers use both strategically.

​The conversation features:

• ​A business broker, sharing how deals come to market and what buyers often misunderstand

• ​An independent sponsor, speaking to sourcing flexibility and competitive dynamics

• ​A strategic buyer, offering insight on repeat acquisitions and long-term fit

• ​A capital advisor moderating the discussion and grounding it in financing and risk

​Topics include:

• ​Speed, competition, and pricing differences

• ​Risk profiles and diligence considerations

• ​How sourcing strategy impacts valuation and leverage

• ​When brokered deals make sense—and when proprietary wins

​You’ll walk away with:

• ​Clarity on which sourcing approach fits your strategy

• ​A framework for evaluating opportunities across both channels

• ​Insight into how capital views each deal type

​This session is designed for buyers who want to source with intention and choose the right path for each deal.