In this episode of The Drawdown, Cherry Bekaert’s Cameron Smith is joined by Richard Schwartz and Travis Sheldon to reveal how commercial due diligence and market studies are enhancing M&A outcomes by empowering buyers and sellers. From validating investment theses to strengthening negotiation positions, the conversation dives into how M&A participants can leverage market intelligence to drive value in middle-market deals. Listen in as they discuss: The evolving role of commercial due...

With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), certain renewable energy tax credits can now be transferred or sold by those generating eligible tax credits to qualified buyers, including private equity investors, seeking to purchase tax credits. Transferable energy tax credits provide a new and more efficient way for taxpayers to monetize these tax credits alongside tax equity structures, while providing a significant tax planning opportunity for private equity funds and their portfol...

Business interruption (BI) insurance is crucial for private equity firms, as it provides financial protection in the event of unforeseen disruptions to a portfolio company's operations. Interruption in business operations due to natural disasters, supply chain disruptions or cybersecurity breaches can have a significant financial impact to a fund’s bottom line. For private equity firms, business interruption insurance is not only a risk management tool but also a strategic asset that can safe...

On December 31, 2025, the current federal lifetime estate and gift tax exemption amount is scheduled to revert to pre-2018 limits, effectively reducing the tax benefit by 50%. This has the potential to greatly impact investment fund managers and other high-net-worth individuals. Without adequate and timely estate planning, these individuals may miss out on potentially millions of dollars in tax benefits. In this episode of The Drawdown, Marci Spivey, Partner and Private Client Services Leader...

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 p...

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 e...

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 compo...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 bee...