Bloomberg examined the rapid growth of the independent sponsor market in an article highlighting McGuireWoods’ position as the premier law firm and dealmaking hub in the industry and featuring insights from partner Jon Finger.
In the July 28, 2026, article, Bloomberg reported: “There are an estimated 1,400 active independent sponsors, about double the number in 2019, according to law firm McGuireWoods, which hosts an industry-leading conference that connects those firms with capital providers. That event had roughly 1,600 attendees last year, a sixfold increase from 2017.”
Finger, who was instrumental in creating the firm’s international Independent Sponsor and Emerging Manager programs, provided perspective on the market’s momentum.
“The independent sponsor universe only continues to grow in a healthy fashion because of the availability of capital to back them,” he told Bloomberg.
Bloomberg’s coverage followed a July 17, 2026, Wall Street Journal article about independent sponsor growth that also featured insights from Finger.
McGuireWoods represents independent sponsors and their capital partners in majority and minority equity investments. In addition to hosting the leading international conference for independent sponsor transactions, the firm’s lawyers lead independent sponsor networking groups around the country to facilitate the sharing of best practices, connections, ideas, deal leads and experiences in a trusted environment.
The firm’s 9th Annual Independent Sponsor Conference is scheduled for Oct. 27-28, 2026, in Dallas. Participants will include independent sponsors, family offices, private equity funds, other alternative investors, senior, unitranche and mezzanine lenders and pensions and endowments.