VERTESS Ranked #1 Healthcare Sell-side M&A Advisor by Axial for 2026

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- VERTESS (http://vertess.com), a leading healthcare mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory firm, was recently named the #1 sell-side M&A advisor on Axial's (http://axial.net) 2026 Top 50 Lower Middle Market Healthcare M&A Advisors list (https://www.axial.net/forum/the-top-50-lower-middle-market-healthcare-investors-ma-advisors-2026/).

Axial, a private deal network serving professionals who own, advise, and invest in North American companies, ranks advisors based on their transaction activity and effectiveness within the healthcare sector. The annual Top 50 list recognizes the most active and sought-after healthcare M&A professionals over the past 12 months.

The rankings are based on a weighted methodology that evaluates:

• The number of healthcare sell-side transactions brought to market through Axial
• Buyer interest generated by those opportunities
• Healthcare-focused investment mandates created on the platform
• Deal progression milestones, including NDAs, indications of interest (IOIs), letters of intent (LOIs), and completed transactions

VERTESS earned the top sell-side position based on the volume of healthcare transactions brought to market, strong buyer engagement, and consistent success advancing deals to closing.

"I am incredibly proud of our team and honored to see our work recognized once again," said Vaughne Glennie, Managing Partner of VERTESS. "This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional service and trusted guidance to healthcare business owners during one of the most significant events of their professional lives. Our deep industry expertise, integrity, and personalized approach continue to drive successful outcomes for our clients."

Healthcare M&A Outlook Remains Strong

Alongside the rankings, Axial released its 2026 Healthcare M&A Outlook Survey, which gathered insights from M&A advisors, investment bankers, and investors across the industry.

Respondents identified Behavioral and Mental Health as the most active healthcare M&A sector, with 69% citing it as the leading area for deal activity. Physician Practices and Specialty Care ranked second at 51.7%.

The survey also highlighted notable valuation trends. Healthcare IT continued to attract strong deal activity and premium valuation multiples, while Physician Practices were more frequently associated with lower multiples despite high transaction volume. Behavioral and Mental Health showed a broader range of reported valuations, reflecting significant variability across the sector.

Connor Cruse, Managing Director at VERTESS and Behavioral Health specialist, encouraged owners to begin preparing well in advance of a future transaction.

"Business owners considering a sale within the next five years should start planning now," said Cruse. "Understanding your current valuation and identifying the steps needed to maximize value will position your company to attract the most qualified buyers and achieve the strongest possible outcome when you decide to go to market."

For more information, please contact Vaughne Glennie at [email protected] or +1.520.395.0244.  

About VERTESS  

VERTESS is an international healthcare Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) advisory and consulting firm with more than 100 years of combined executive leadership and transaction experience. Founded by a visionary team of results-driven professionals, VERTESS was created as a client-focused alternative to traditional M&A firms and investment banks.

The team brings firsthand experience in launching, growing, and successfully exiting healthcare businesses. They leverage this expertise to guide clients through every stage of the transaction process, helping them achieve the best possible outcome during their transition. They prioritize clients' personal and professional objectives, facilitating transactions that align with their goals and long-term vision. Over the past decade, VERTESS has established a strong presence across multiple healthcare sectors and has become one of the nation's leading healthcare M&A advisory firms.

SOURCE Vertess Healthcare Advisors