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Session A

M&A in Motion: Where the Smart Money Is Going—and Why

Presented By: Bank of America | Merrill

In this candid fireside chat, top minds from private equity and investment banking unpack the evolving landscape of M&A—highlighting both the bright spots and pressure points that are shaping dealmaking in 2025. From the strategic value of digital infrastructure and data-rich assets to the accelerating role of AI and the shifting dynamics of capital markets, this grounded, insider view, will explore where opportunity is building—and where risk may be hiding. Expect sharp insights on the ripple effects of tariffs, geopolitical volatility, and the recalibration of valuations across sectors.

Moderator:

Tom Singh
Managing Director | Senior Resident Director
Merrill Lynch

Tom has spent the last 22 years at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch where he considers himself an “Intra-Preneur”. He is the founder of a 9 person boutique within the company called Singh & Associates.

He and his team specialize in pre-exit planning for business owners looking to sell their company in 12-36 months. By using their Proprietary financial Modeling Process, they run various simulations and prescribe strategies to help owners maximize their desired outcome.

He also oversees the Avalon location of Merrill Lynch managing 9 Billion of client assets and has been named the top 13 “Best in State Wealth Advisors” list by Forbes Magazine – 4 years in a row.

 

 

Panelists:

Pooja Goyal
Partner & CIO of the Infrastructure Group
The Carlyle Group

Pooja Goyal is a Partner and Chief Investment Officer of the Infrastructure Group. She is Co-Head of the Carlyle Global Infrastructure Opportunity Fund (CGI), and Head of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Fund. She is based in New York. In her capacity, Ms. Goyal overseas all investment activities across Renewables and Energy Transition, Digital, Transport and Utilities globally. 

Prior to joining Carlyle in 2019, Ms. Goyal was the Head of the Alternative Energy Investing Group at Goldman Sachs, where she led Goldman Sachs’ investments in the renewables sector. Ms. Goyal has been investing in the renewables / energy transition sector since 2005 when she joined the Alternative Energy Investing Group as an associate. She was promoted to Managing Director in 2012 and took over as Head of the group in 2013. Prior to 2005, Ms. Goyal was part of the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs.

Ms. Goyal is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, where she received a BS in finance from the Wharton School and a BAS in computer and cognitive science from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Ms. Goyal is on the Board of Advisors of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania and on the Board of Trustees for the Chapin School in New York City.

Brendan Hanley
Co-Head of Emerging Growth and Regional Coverage
Bank of America

Brendan is co-head of the Emerging Growth and Regional Coverage Group within investment banking and has worked at BofA Securities for nearly 20 years. In his role, he and his team will be responsible for delivering the full suite of investment banking solutions to emerging growth companies, venture capital firms, mid-market private equity firms and our middle market clients. Prior to his current leadership role, Brendan was co-head of Global Investment Grade Capital Markets from 2014 to 2017.

Brendan has spent nearly 30 years in finance, advising global clients on M&A, capital structure and capital formation. He has advised clients across various industries including GE, AB InBev and Nike as well as family-owned businesses such as Mission Produce and Cacique Foods. Brendan has worked with founders to sell stakes, such as Chosen Foods as well as Sierra Space in their $1.4Bn Series A private capital raise.

Brendan is a member of the inaugural Finance Leaders Fellowship at the Aspen Institute and is a member of Aspen Global Leadership Network. Brendan is on the advisory board of Lift Communities in the Bronx.

 

David Koh
Senior Investment Strategist
Bank of America

David H. Koh is a Managing Director and Senior Investment Strategist for the Chief Investment Office (CIO) within Bank of America Corporation. He is responsible for leading the Chief Investment Office's investment implementation activities by connecting and driving CIO views to specialists, advisors and clients across Merrill and the Bank of America Private Bank.

David is also a senior member of the CIO’s Portfolio Management Group, focusing on managed portfolio strategy development and initiatives for Global Wealth and Investment Management. Prior to joining Bank of America, David served as Head of the Global Investment Group at Deutsche Bank.

David earned his B.S. in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a J.D. and M.B.A. from Northwestern University. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association.

Conference Location

180 Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
Tel: (212) 767-7000