Join Lloyd Metz, Doug McCormick, Sean Mooney, and special guest Rob Brown, CEO of Lincoln International, as they discuss the significant changes in private equity and investment banking from the early 2000s to today. This episode covers the pivotal role of company culture in driving growth, adapting to economic shifts, and the strategic use of technology and talent acquisition during downturns. Listen for an in-depth analysis of market trends, the impact of COVID-19, and predictions for the M&A landscape's future.

Episode Highlights:

2:09 - Rob Brown reflects on the transformation of private equity and investment banking since the 2000s.
7:12 - The growth story of Lincoln International and the critical role of culture.
16:55 - Economic trends post-2008 and adjustments leading up to the COVID-19 era.
26:05 - The significance of office presence for culture and mentorship.
32:54 - Utilizing downturns for talent acquisition and investing in AI.
40:58 - Current M&A market conditions and expectations for recovery in 2025.

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

Explore the critical aspects of capital structure in the private equity sector with insights from Lloyd Metz, Doug McCormick, and Sean Mooney. This episode breaks down the strategic use of debt versus equity, the implications of leveraging, and the nuances of maintaining lender relationships. It offers a focused look at how private equity professionals navigate risk and optimize returns through smart capital structure choices, essential listening for investors and business owners aiming to understand the financial underpinnings of successful investments.

1:18 - Introduction to the importance of capital structure choices in private equity.
3:16 - Exploring the balance between risk and return in optimizing capital structure.
6:43 - The leverage effect of using debt in private equity explained through a home-buying analogy.
12:14 - Strategies behind determining the amount of debt to use in private equity investments.
21:29 - Discussion on the types of lenders and the evolving lending landscape.
33:29 - The influence of capital market health on debt cost and the call for simplicity in capital structure decisions.

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 of Best But Never Final, join Lloyd Metz, Doug McCormick and Sean Mooney as they delve into the seasonal nuances of the private equity world during the summer months. This episode offers a candid look at how private equity professionals balance the demands of work with personal time, reflecting on the impact of summer on investment activities and portfolio management. From discussing the rhythm of deal flows to sharing personal strategies for recharging, the trio provides insights into how the industry adapts and plans for the latter half of the year amidst the backdrop of recurring seasonal patterns and unexpected market dynamics.

Episode Highlights:

• 0:37 - Introduction to the seasonal dynamics of private equity during summer.
• 1:59 - Personal reflections on summer activities and balancing work with family time.
• 5:08 - Insights into how private equity professionals navigate the quieter deal market of summer while staying prepared for the bustling activity post-Labor Day.
• 8:23 - Discussion on the cyclical nature of deal flows and portfolio company initiatives throughout the year.
• 15:01 - Examination of how summer provides a strategic pause for reflection and planning ahead of the busy fall season.
• 19:33 - Consideration of external factors, such as election years, that can influence private equity activities and market sentiment.
• 25:20 - Anticipation of deal market recovery and the readiness of lenders to support transactions in the latter half of the year.

This episode is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the ebb and flow of the private equity industry and how professionals within the field strategically navigate these seasonal shifts. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on making the most of the summer slowdown while gearing up for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

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