Hosts Lloyd Metz, Doug McCormick, and Sean Mooney review the major themes shaping private equity in 2024, including liquidity challenges, market shifts, and investor dynamics. They discuss strategies to prepare for 2025 amid potential changes in interest rates, inflation, and emerging opportunities in industrials, food, and infrastructure services. With insights into M&A activity, CEO evaluations, and aligning investor expectations with portfolio performance, this episode offers practical knowledge for private equity professionals, investors, and business owners.

Episode Highlights

1:36 - Reflecting on 2024 as a challenging year for private equity, with discussions on liquidity pressures and subdued deal activity.

8:02 - The divergence between market performance and economic realities, and its implications for private equity investment strategies.

18:54 - Exploring opportunities in emerging sectors like niche food products and infrastructure services as areas for growth in 2025.

26:03 - CEO evaluations and insights on balancing leadership, decision-making, and performance improvement within portfolio companies.

35:58 - Looking ahead to 2025: inflation risks, interest rate concerns, and expectations for M&A activity and sector performance.

For more information on the podcast, visit bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com and embark on your journey to private equity excellence today.

Visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-but-never-final-podcast/
Visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bestbutneverfinal/

For information on HCI Equity Partners, go to https://www.hciequity.com
For information on ICV Partners, go to https://www.icvpartners.com
For information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net

In this episode, hosts Lloyd Metz, Doug McCormick, and Sean Mooney are joined by Paul Ryan, former Speaker of the House, now a partner at Solamere Capital. Speaker Ryan delves into his transition from a distinguished career in public service to the private equity sector, highlighting his enduring passion for economics and his strategic choice to focus on lower middle market private equity. The discussion explores the unique value private equity brings to liquidity provision, business growth, and its broader economic impact. He also shares his perspective on the current political landscape, regulatory shifts, labor supply significance in manufacturing, and the critical role of private equity in economic stabilization and growth. This episode not only sheds light on Speaker Ryan's journey from Capitol Hill to capital growth but also on the intersection of policy, economics, and private equity's influence on business and society.

Episode Highlights
• 2:48: Ryan's transition to private equity and focus on lower middle market.
• 14:17: Discussion on business owners' perspectives on private equity partnerships.
• 18:08: The convergence of policy, economics, and private equity.
• 24:42: The importance of labor supply and immigration policy for economic growth.
• 31:10: The role of private equity in stabilizing and enhancing the economy.
• 37:28: Advice on communicating the value of private equity to policymakers.
• 40:09: Final thoughts on the future economic outlook and potential risks.

For more information on Solamere Capital, go to https://www.solamerecapital.com/

For more information on the podcast, visit bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com and embark on your journey to private equity excellence today.

Visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-but-never-final-podcast/
Visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bestbutneverfinal/

For information on HCI Equity Partners, go to https://www.hciequity.com
For information on ICV Partners, go to https://www.icvpartners.com
For information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net

In this encore presentation from February 20th, Lloyd Metz, Doug McCormick, and Sean Mooney discuss the strategic considerations behind exiting a private equity investment. With an anticipated wave of deals in the coming year, understanding when to sell and how to do it effectively is crucial. This episode covers the importance of exit timing, various exit mechanisms including dividend recaps, partnership deals, and ESOPs, and how to prepare for a successful sale. Whether considering selling now or seeking insights into exit strategies, this episode provides valuable information on making informed decisions that maximize returns.

Episode Highlights:

• 2:34 - Discussing the impact of timing on returns and market challenges.
• 8:14 - Approaches to building a business that attracts buyers.
• 19:23 - Ways private equity firms return capital and extend company options.
• 34:51 - Exploring ESOPs as a tool for incentive alignment and employee empowerment.
• 38:28 - Common pitfalls in the exit process and the importance of early preparation.
• 43:35 - Final thoughts on skills for successful ownership and selling.

For more information on the podcast, visit bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com and embark on your journey to private equity excellence today.

Visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-but-never-final-podcast/
Visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bestbutneverfinal/

For information on HCI Equity Partners, go to https://www.hciequity.com
For information on ICV Partners, go to https://www.icvpartners.com
For information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net