Former Havas Media ANZ CEO Virginia Hyland has teamed up with Stephen von Muenster and Vince Meoli to launch SQUAD M&A, a new specialist advisory firm designed to support independent creative, PR, media, tech and digital agencies through mergers, acquisitions and partnerships.
The Sydney-based firm aims to guide founders through every stage of the sale or merger process, from valuation and financial structuring to legal negotiation and cultural alignment, while helping private equity and global networks identify and integrate new acquisitions.
Backed by senior industry expertise
Hyland, considered a pioneer of Australia’s independent media sector, brings extensive leadership experience as ex-CEO of Havas Media ANZ, former deputy chair of the Media Federation of Australia, and founder of Hyland Media. She said the inspiration for SQUAD M&A came from her own experience of selling and acquiring agencies.
“I’ve walked in the shoes of the seller and the acquirer.” said Hyland. “Selling an agency is one of the most significant milestones in a founder’s career. Our mission is to ensure 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 seasoned M&A and legal experts with decades of combined experience. Vince Meoli, Financial Partner at SQUAD M&A, has more than 30 years’ experience as CFO across WPP, Omnicom, the AANA and several leading independents.
“Understanding the true financial narrative of an agency is critical to attracting the right partner,” said Meoli. “We help founders optimise their financial position and present a compelling growth story that resonates with sophisticated buyers and investors.”
Legal and commercial insight for long-term success
Stephen von Muenster, Legal Partner at SQUAD M&A, is one of Australia’s most experienced commercial and intellectual property lawyers in the communications industry. Over his 20-year career, von Muenster has advised on major transactions for brands including Match Media, N2N Communications, Ikon Communications, Emotive, Mercer Bell and Bastion Branding.
“The success of any M&A transaction lies in the structure of the agreement,” said von Muenster. “Our goal is to protect founders’ interests while crafting deals that support long-term success and cultural alignment.”
The leadership team will also collaborate with Justin Drape, founder of Creativity & Commerce, to provide additional creative industry and entrepreneurial expertise when required.
Strategic services for independent agencies
SQUAD M&A offers a comprehensive suite of advisory services, including:
• 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
As consolidation continues across the marketing sector, the firm positions itself as a one-stop advisory for independents seeking the right growth or exit strategy, combining legal precision, financial rigour and commercial acumen.
Top image: Vince Meoli, Virginia Hyland and Stephen von Muenster