Private Equity Backed Business

Over the years we’ve built strong relationships with many PE investors and alternative lenders. Our Deals team have significant knowledge and experience from working with the businesses they invest in, making CP a valuable partner. Forging connections and opportunities for both the investor and the PE backed business. 

We know PE investors and their portfolio companies want to work with advisers who understand private equity. You need to know that your advisers have experience of helping to deliver successful investments. Adding value to the business during the investment cycle. You can be confident we’ll be your “true” partners through the entire PE investment lifecycle. 

ACQUISITION

We work extensively with both PE investors and their portfolio companies supporting them on both initial investments as well as subsequent buy and build strategies. Our Deals team works both buy and sell side providing M&A advisory services and transaction services covering financial, tax and legal. Our team works with many PE backed businesses who are fuelling growth through a series of acquisitions supporting them on multiple transactions aligned to overall growth objectives. 

PLANNING FOR GROWTH

After acquisition by a PE investor, typically the demands on the leadership within the portfolio will change. You’ll be very focussed on delivering your business plan but at the same time also need to meet the needs of your investors which can involve significant increases in reporting needs and the development of new key performance indicators. Often during the transition, you’ll require additional support particularly in the finance area – we support businesses going through this transition by providing accounting support including interim cover as well as developing new reporting dashboards. 

VALUE CREATION

Investing in key areas such as people, processes and controls as well as revenue growth and operational improvements is critical to delivering value. Additional PE investments in areas such as bolt on acquisitions may be an integral part of your business plan. Ensuring you maximise value as you execute your plans getting the right balance between short term strategies whilst positioning the business for the longer term is critical. 

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS

Your business will be focussed on executing your plans. Demonstrating your track record and demonstrating the value being created is critical to support the overall investment. Whether you need accounting support or an audit that adds value our team are there to support and challenge. We understand the key value drivers to support clients in presenting their track record in the context of PE investment. 

When it comes to audit, we’ve created a process like no other, focused on collaboration and technology. Each audit is tailored for our PE backed audit clients and where they stand in the portfolio company lifecycle. We focus on the key value drivers and underlying earnings.  

Ensuring alignment with what PE investors need. For example, reporting dashboards. We’re experts on the latest accountancy standards (both FRS 102 in the UK and IFRS) and making businesses more efficient. Alongside this expertise, we have a big team that makes quick decisions.  

EXIT READINESS

Ultimately the investment cycle may culminate in the sale of your business. We’ll help you maximise value at the time of exit through planning ahead and supporting through our exit readiness assessment to avoid unpleasant surprises Our Deals team can work with you well ahead of a transaction, so you are properly prepared for the sale process. Getting this right is critical. [link to exit readiness video] 

We believe that one of the best ways to learn is to spend time with people who have ‘Been there. Done that. And got the t-shirt’.  

On a regular basis we host informal roundtable events for both PE backed businesses, or those about to embark on that exciting journey and PE investors and alternative lenders.  

We know from feedback that our guests really appreciate getting the inside track, sharing experiences along with insights on the M&A landscape.  

Want a seat at the table? Get in touch if you’d like to be kept informed about our events.