Valuing Media in an Era of Change with Reed Phillips of Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips
Tue Dec 09 2025
In this episode of The Business of Information, Chris Mohr speaks with Reed Phillips, Managing Partner of Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips, about what it takes to navigate—and thrive in—the ever-evolving world of media M&A. With more than 35 years of experience and over 225 transactions under his belt, Reed shares stories from his early days in political publishing to leading major acquisitions and exits across B2B, consumer media, advertising, and events.
Reed reflects on why valuation is so often misunderstood by founders, how AI is reshaping priorities in the media space, and why face-to-face events continue to hold their value. He also shares insights from his book QuickValue—a practical guide for business owners on how to determine what their companies are worth and how to increase that value.
In this conversation, you’ll hear:
Why most entrepreneurs overestimate their company’s value—and how to fix that
The difference between investment banking and private equity (in plain English)
How media buyers are shifting attention—and budgets—toward AI adoption
Why events remain “AI-proof” and continue to drive growth post-pandemic
Lessons from selling and launching media businesses in the 1980s and beyond
The cultural principle Reed hopes defines his legacy in the M&A world
Subscribe and share to help us grow the conversation.
Learn more at siia.net
Follow SIIA on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Bluesky
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In this episode of The Business of Information, Chris Mohr speaks with Reed Phillips, Managing Partner of Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips, about what it takes to navigate—and thrive in—the ever-evolving world of media M&A. With more than 35 years of experience and over 225 transactions under his belt, Reed shares stories from his early days in political publishing to leading major acquisitions and exits across B2B, consumer media, advertising, and events. Reed reflects on why valuation is so often misunderstood by founders, how AI is reshaping priorities in the media space, and why face-to-face events continue to hold their value. He also shares insights from his book QuickValue—a practical guide for business owners on how to determine what their companies are worth and how to increase that value. In this conversation, you’ll hear: Why most entrepreneurs overestimate their company’s value—and how to fix that The difference between investment banking and private equity (in plain English) How media buyers are shifting attention—and budgets—toward AI adoption Why events remain “AI-proof” and continue to drive growth post-pandemic Lessons from selling and launching media businesses in the 1980s and beyond The cultural principle Reed hopes defines his legacy in the M&A world Subscribe and share to help us grow the conversation. Learn more at siia.net Follow SIIA on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Bluesky