Spotlight on acceleration: Private Equity
Chasing value
Inflationary pressure, rising interest rates and geopolitical uncertainty make this a challenging time for private equity dealmaking. Meanwhile, investors are sharply focusing on the value creation journeys within their portfolio companies to counteract the various issues facing businesses today – such as supply chain challenges, material shortages and price inflation. And with valuations dipping across certain industries, funds are turning the screw to increase the value of their existing portfolio businesses ahead of future exits, refining operating models to achieve sustainable profitability and cash generation to drive up valuations and ensure a good return on investment from the previous year’s high price-tag deals.
The talent that drives value creation
Against the backdrop of heightened intervention from investors, management teams inside portfolio companies are feeling the strain from first surviving COVID and now having their exit plans substantially elongated. All this presents an interesting challenge: PE funds are pushing their post-deal value creation efforts harder than ever, but management teams are suffering fatigue. In response, investors are in active hiring mode to inject new energy and focus into their businesses, but the demand for experienced execs with ‘proven PE experience’ is far outpacing supply. We’re now seeing unprecedented rates of aggressive counter-offering, with companies fighting to retain top talent and destabilising external hiring processes with financial ‘one-upmanship’.
Landing leaders and professionalising boards
Being supported by the right search partner has never been more critical to achieving your desired outcome. The InX Private Equity practice is expertly equipped to support our customers in attracting and landing the best global leadership talent.
Matt Harvey leads our international operating partner and value creation search practice, mostly focused on European and North American mandates for generalists and functional experts that partner with founders, CEOs and management teams to deliver strategic, commercial and operational impact during the holding period.
Giles McIntyre leads our C-suite and advisory search practice, supporting owner-managers and entrepreneurs in professionalising their board ahead of a primary PE investment or alternatively, supporting PE/VC funds pre- or post-deal in upskilling board requirements of their portfolio companies. Typical mandates include CEO, COO, CFO and chair when required.
Whether you’re a fund or portfolio company looking for your next great leader, a professional looking for your next opportunity in private equity, or just want to talk about the market, please contact our team now.