Chemical M&A Trends for 2026: Insights from Jon Glapa of Grace Matthews - Ep. 254

REGISTRATION IS OPEN for The Chemical Summit. Held on September 29-30, 2026 in Houston, Texas.  Visit thechemicalsummit.comUncertainty is fading and M&A activity is heating up in the chemicals and materials industry for 2026. Host Victoria King Meyer speaks with Jon Glapa of Grace Matthews about why the year ahead is shaping up to be strong for dealmaking. They discuss how greater strategic clarity, market stability, and disciplined capital deployment are spurring renewed confidence among buyers and sellers. Victoria and Jon explore the contrasting approaches of private equity and strategic buyers; the pitfalls mid-market companies face in M&A preparation, and actionable leadership advice for chemical executives. The conversation centers on the need for early preparation, customer focus, and a clear five-year vision as keys to navigating the evolving landscape of deals and growth. Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube Victoria and Jon expand on the following topics:  Inside Chemical M&A: What makes a company an attractive target   Navigating uncertainty and how leaders managed 2025’s volatile market   Key drivers behind deal valuations and multiples   Private Equity vs. Strategics: Who’s winning chemical industry deals?   Preparing your business for future transactions  Killer Quote: "I tend to think of uncertainty as the enemy of M&A. You can navigate through certain dynamics, but when uncertainty increases, it becomes more and more challenging." – Jon Glapa  ***Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player.  ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review. ***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com