The Art of Selling an MGA — Insights from the Front Lines

What does it really take to sell a Managing General Agency?

Published on June 6, 2025

mga

What does it really take to sell a Managing General Agency?

At this year’s Target Markets Mid-Year Meeting, founder Jeremy Hitzig had the honor of moderating a powerhouse panel on “The Art of Selling a Managing General Agency.” This session brought together seasoned executives who have lived through the deal process, offering rare, unfiltered insights into timing, preparation, and life post-sale.

From navigating NDAs and due diligence to choosing the right buyer and managing employee communications, this panel covered the hard truths and strategic decisions involved in preparing your business for a successful exit.

Key takeaways included:

  • Why having 2–3 years of runway is crucial
  • How to clean up your financials and agreements
  • The trade-offs between strategic vs. private equity buyers
  • Why running the business and selling it are two full-time jobs
  • And the #1 mistake MGA owners make during the process

Jeremy’s leadership on this panel reflects our broader philosophy at Starfish Specialty: whether building or selling, success is in the preparation, the people, and the long-term vision.

Watch the full panel replay herehttps://www.targetmkts.com/national-meeting-archives/item/4389-2025my-the-art-of-selling-an-mga

Starfish Specialty Insurance is a managing general agent (MGA) that intentionally creates long-lasting partnerships with insurance carriers and retail brokers. They do this by applying our program management acumen and leading-edge technologies to provide superior insurance solutions for underserved markets and niche industries. Their products are delivered, serviced, and managed efficiently to remove communication barriers and better serve their partners.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve — explore more industry insights and program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com.