Charting the Course: Insights from Citrin Cooperman’s 2025 New England Economic Summit

Citrin Cooperman’s 2025 New England Economic Summit brought together regional business leaders and professionals across industries for an impactful day of connection, learning, and collaboration. Held at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on Monday, October 27, the event offered memorable discussions and valuable networking opportunities. From insights on the economy to thought-provoking discussions on the state of mergers and acquisitions, participants left energized and equipped with fresh perspectives and strategies to navigate today’s quickly evolving market.

Brighter Horizons? Navigating the Latest Economic Trends with Dr. Basu

Dr. Anirban Basu, chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc., provided an engaging and highly informative presentation on the state of the economy and forecast for growth amid a tariff environment.

Drawing on his expertise as a leading economist, Dr. Basu underscored that:

• Inflation is projected to persist; positioning it as a central economic issue that commands attention from policymakers across the political spectrum.
• Weaknesses in the job market remain a critical factor in determining overall economic health.
• Personal savings have declined since the pandemic, accompanied by a rise in credit card debt, signaling shifting consumer financial behaviors.
• Rising home prices are prompting residents of high-cost urban areas, such as Boston, to relocate to neighboring states like New Hampshire and Maine. However, affordability issues are hampering workers’ ability to move closer to their jobs, creating complexities for many with shifts to increased hybrid and in-office work.
• The value of the American dollar faces uncertainty amid concerns over the nation’s debt obligations; failure to manage debt could further weaken the dollar in coming years.

Deals in Motion: The Pulse of Today’s M&A Market

Our esteemed panel delved into the current state of the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market and highlighted key factors leadership must weigh when contemplating a sale.

Bringing a sell-side perspective, Michael Kennedy, business leader and former president of IPC Global Solution, shared valuable insights into the challenges and key considerations facing leaders planning an exit. Jonathan Yip, principal in the Private Equity Group at Blackstone, noted that mergers and acquisitions transactions place significant demands on sell-side management, who must navigate the many complexities of the deal process. From the buy-side perspective, he stressed the importance of keeping the business running smoothly and sustaining strong operational and financial performance when preparing for a sale, emphasizing that consistency and stability are key drivers of buyer confidence.

Nichol Chiarella, partner and Mergers and Acquisitions Tax Practice leader at Citrin Cooperman, discussed tax considerations for both the buy side and sell side. Drawing on her extensive experience with both sides of transactions, she emphasized the importance of viewing deals as ongoing journeys rather than one-time events.

Following the presentation and panel discussion, attendees gathered to network and exchange ideas over food and conversation. Set against the energizing backdrop of Gillette Stadium — still buzzing from the Patriots’ Sunday victory — the event wrapped up with participants walking away equipped with practical insights on optimizing operations and strengthening partnerships to thrive amid economic uncertainty.