Applying voice of the customer (VoC) analyses at the beginning of the investment lifecycle can provide qualitative data on consumer behavior to inform investment decisions and post-transaction strategies.  By integrating VoC methodologies within traditional due diligence processes, organizations can make better strategic decisions to validate the deal thesis and drive post-acquisition growth.In this episode of The Drawdown, Cameron Smith, Managing Director in our Transaction Advisory practice, welcomes Kristel Kurtz and Richard Schwartz, Partners in our Strategic Growth & Innovation practice. Together, they break down what organizations can gain by using VoC analyses and present case studies demonstrating practical applications. Related Guidance Article: Voice of the Customer in Commercial Due Diligence: Maximizing Post-Acquisition Growth and Strategic Decisions

What is a management service organization (MSO) or a dental service organization (DSO)?  Why have they become so attractive to private equity investors in recent years?  What are the potential challenges to successfully execute this high-volume roll-up strategy?  In this episode of The Drawdown, we explore these questions and more with Cherry Bekaert Partners Steve Stang and Michael Ludwig as they provide key insights and approaches that can give private equity investors an edge in this competitive marketplace. Introducing Cherry Bekaert’s Healthcare Micro-Deals Experience: a highly efficient, technology-driven solution for private equity that streamlines MSO or DSO roll-up acquisitions from pre-LOI to post-close integration. When bringing a new MSO or DSO online, private equity needs a replicable market strategy that is easily scaled for growth.  Efficiency during the diligence stage is essential to achieving high-volume growth objectives while minimizing transaction risks and maximizing long-term returns on investment.  Click here to learn more.

Business and profit optimization is at the forefront of any Private Equity investor and management team dialogue. As noted in our recent Private Equity Industry Report, the record amount of M&A activity in 2021 may certainly lead to even more scrutiny surrounding post-acquisition integration and portfolio optimization through the use of technology, systems and process improvement. For Private Equity funds and portfolio companies, a digital transformation strategy can be an essential component in optimizing investment performance, profitability, and value.In this episode of The Drawdown, we examine what digital transformation means from the perspective of a Private Equity fund and its portfolio companies, why a “digital strategy” is increasingly replacing a “digital project” mindset, and how effective strategies can increase integration success and improve ROI upon exit. Topics covered in this episode include:What is digital strategy for Private Equity?Things to consider in developing a digital strategy Practical application: a portfolio company case studyHow digital strategies improve ROIOutlook on US middle-market Private Equity and digital transformation

More than 600 SPACs have gone public since July 2020, when the SPAC market heated up dramatically, raising over $200 billion. New regulatory scrutiny and several high-profile SPAC litigations have revived longstanding concerns about these “blank check” companies. Broader economic pressures are also adding to the unsteady market. That said, many believe we have seen enough SPAC transactions that it has become not only a respected alternative method of taking a private company public, but it is also here to stay.In this episode of the Drawdown, we present Part II of our multi-part series on SPACs titled “The Players and the Paper,” where we explore key issues, provide valuable updates, and introduce the various parties and advisors involved in a SPAC transaction. We are joined by Cherry Bekaert’s Managing Partner of Private Equity and Transaction Advisory Services, Scott Moss, and special guest Andy Tucker, M&A Partner at Nelson Mullins, to discuss the current state of the market, recent transaction activity, and the market response to recent regulatory directives, as well as what to expect for 2022.The following topics are discussed:[1:20]   – SPAC Market Update[3:55]   – Analysis of Active Industry Sectors[6:11]   – Transaction Pricing Concerns[10:57] – Economic Pressures Affecting Transactions[13:36] – Market Response to SEC Warrant Treatment[22:10] – Market Outlook for 2022[Listen to Part I Here]

2020 was a record-breaking year for Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) transactions, with over 240 completed SPAC IPOs, raising total gross proceeds of approximately $75 billion. The trend has continued into 2021 with over 350 IPOs completed so far this year, with no apparent let-up in sight.In this episode of the Drawdown, hosted by Cherry Bekaert’s Cameron Smith, Business Development Director of Private Equity, Cameron is joined by Cherry Bekaert’s Accounting Advisory Leader, Chase Wright, in Part I of a four-part series discussing the ins and outs of SPAC transactions and the material parties involved. In Part I, Chase introduces us to the role of the accountant and why selecting the right accountant for your transaction matters.

Recently, we’ve gotten quite a few questions from clients who are considering a potential sale, as they want to get a better understanding of what to expect if they were to have a change in ownership. So to help paint a picture, we’ve called on a few of our professionals who each have a unique perspective of working closely with a private equity firm, from both the investor and the portfolio company standpoint.  Join members of Cherry Bekaert’s Transaction Advisory Team as they explore the nuances of private equity ownership, including when it’s an ideal time for companies to consider partnering with a private equity firm; changes in reporting requirements; the impact to employee work life; and considerations to take when searching for the right investment firm.

In this episode of the Drawdown, Cherry Bekaert’s Transactions Leader Jeff Bengtson provides a recap of trends in the private equity sector from 2020 – including how COVID has impacted investments – as well as an outlook on 2021 deal markets. He provides his perspective on what was driving private equity investment last year, as well as what’s in store for this year.

What Goes Into Buying and Selling a Marine Manufacturer?There have been a number of acquisitions, mergers, and consolidations over the past few years in the marine industry where private equity has played a role.Join Cherry Bekaert partner Ron Wainwright and David Gee, editor-in-chief of Boating Industry magazine, for a discussion on the M&A market in the marine industry. This podcast is part two in a series of three delving into the consolidation that is occurring in the industry.

There have been a number of acquisitions, mergers, and consolidations over the past few years in the marine industry where private equity has played a role.Join Cherry Bekaert partner Ron Wainwright and David Gee, editor-in-chief of Boating Industry magazine for a discussion on the M&A market in the marine industry. This podcast is part one in a series of three delving into the consolidation that is occurring in the industry.

Private equity finished strong in 2019 with a record level of cash. Will that level of investment activity continue in 2020? And if so, what are the factors influencing that trend?Join Jeff Bengtson, principal and national leader of Cherry Bekaert’s transaction advisory group as he discusses his predictions for 2020 and the trends that will shape the PE industry in the coming year.

Qualified Small Business Stock can offer significant tax savings to boost your after-tax rate of return on an exit.Join Chris Truitt, Partner and National Leader for Transaction Tax Services, and Barry Weins, Director, Transaction Tax Services, for a discussion on the benefits of Qualified Small Business Stock. This powerful tax provision creates significant opportunities for qualifying investments. This podcast provides an overview of the opportunity and answers many questions that have been posed by our clients.