How do Private Equity Groups (PEGs) view the role of management as they consider investing? Many view the quality of the management team as a fundamental issue in a proposed transaction. In reality, PEGs show flexibility regarding the quality of the management team. There is a continuum from those who see the existing management team as being very important to others who are far less concerned. Some indicate that the businesses must have good management in place. Other PEGs express less concern with the existing management: they just want a competent management team. What appeared to matter more was that someone be identified who would remain with the firm post transaction. The relationship between the management team and the PEG is also important as they are very much focused on the chemistry between their group and the management team. The issue is whether the ownership culture is willing to embrace change. Management generally will be supplemented and upgraded. The PEGS expect it. The usual function that is most focused on is finance as the incumbent typically will not have the qualifications and skills to handle the role. The PEGs will put in new CFOs to upgrade the position, in particular, in terms of reporting. Additionally, the PEGs anticipate the need to invest in information systems and putting professional processes in place.
Posted by David Sinyard.
