XPX Dallas - The 2027 Middle-Market Outlook: Capital, Buyers, Valuations and the Risks Owners Cannot Ignore

Owners often focus on price, but the identity of the buyer can shape control, culture, management, employee opportunity, rollover equity, and the owner's life for years after closing. This panel will bring together distinct buyer types to explain how they evaluate lower middle-market companies and what their ownership model means in practice.

We will compare strategic acquirers, traditional private equity, family offices, and independent sponsors: what attracts them, what causes them to walk away, how they view management teams and customer concentration, how they approach seller rollover and earnouts, and what they expect from an owner after close.

The session will open with a concise 2027 market pulse, but the focus will remain on durable decision-making rather than predictions. Attendees will leave better prepared to help owners choose a buyer whose capital, time horizon, governance, and operating style fit the owner's goals - not simply the highest headline number.

Distinguished Guest and Speaker:


Dustin Gibson
Market Manager, Dallas Commercial Banking Group
Bank of Texas

Dustin Gibson has nearly 30 years of experience in Dallas banking and currently serves as Market Director for the Dallas Commercial Banking Group at Bank of Texas, a top 50 bank operating in eight states. A former entrepreneur, Dustin brings a unique perspective to serving privately owned middle-market businesses. He serves on the board of SFNet, a financial industry education organization, and supports Responder Impact, a ministry serving Frisco’s first responders. Dustin attended the University of Oklahoma and pursued postgraduate studies at SMU. He enjoys spending time at the lake with family and attending college football games nationwide.

Fireside Chat Moderator:


Eric Harrison, MBA
Director, Business Development & Value Accelerations
DBG Advisors

Eric Harrison spent 33 years running his family's distribution business before selling it, the same path the owners he now serves are preparing to take. Today he advises founder- and family-led companies, generally $3M to $30M in revenue, on growing profits and building transferable value at DBG Advisors. He is a Ziglar-certified coach, published author, Rotary Club board member, and president-elect of the Rotary Club of Park Cities. His conviction is simple: every owner should determine what their business is worth, close any gaps in their desired outcomes, so they can get full value for a career's work.

Registration Fees: 

XPX Dallas Members in Good Standing: Free.  Registration is required for food order purposes.  Please be sure to sign up.

XPX Chapter Network Members: $45.00
XPX Chapter Network Members Same Day/Walk-in Fee: $55.00

Non-Members: $55.00
Non-Members Same Day/Walk-in Fee: $65.00

Registration includes a full buffet breakfast plus coffee and juice.

First time guest. (Member referral is required- members (NOT GUEST) must email angie@exitplanningexchange.com to sign up their guest)