In our most recent sell-side engagements, three of our clients sold their businesses to private equity (PE) buyers. While PE often gets a bad rap for cutting corners or gutting companies, our experience has been quite the opposite. We’ve found PE firms to be professional, ethical, and results-driven.

Many lower middle-market business owners are unfamiliar with private equity and how it creates value, so we want to demystify the process by walking through the PE playbook.

Private equity firms succeed because they follow a systematic, disciplined approach to investing that consistently delivers impressive returns. Their playbook focuses on three core pillars: Thesis Development, Deal Structuring, and Operational Execution.

1. Thesis Development: Finding the Right Opportunities

Every PE investment begins with a clear, strategic thesis. PE firms identify industries ripe for growth, typically focusing on markets that are large, fragmented, and underserved by dominant players. Here are some industries where PE is actively creating value:

• Software: Scalable models with recurring revenue.
• Residential Services (e.g., plumbing/HVAC): Stable, recession-resistant demand and price elasticity.
• IT & Professional Services: Growing reliance on outsourcing expertise.
• Financial Services (e.g., wealth management): High barriers to entry and dependable revenue streams.
• Niche Manufacturing: High-margin businesses with loyal customer bases.

By targeting these industries, PE firms position themselves to acquire and scale smaller companies effectively.

2. Deal Structuring: Aligning Interests

PE firms are masters of structuring deals to align incentives and maximize value. Here’s how they approach deal-making:

• Majority Ownership with Shared Risk: PE firms typically acquire 65–85% ownership while requiring sellers to retain 15–35% equity. This keeps sellers invested in the company’s growth and opens the door for a second “bite of the apple” in 3–7 years.
• Strategic Use of Leverage: PE firms employ debt thoughtfully to amplify returns, ensuring it doesn’t overburden the company while preserving cash for growth.
• Earnouts and Performance-Based Payments: These structures allow sellers to maximize their payout if certain financial milestones are met, reducing risk for the buyer.

This approach ensures sellers and PE firms remain aligned on the ultimate goal: driving growth and creating value.

3. Operational Execution: Unlocking Value Post-Acquisition

After closing, PE firms focus on professionalizing and scaling the business. Here are some of the strategies they use:

• Achieve Cost Savings at Scale: Consolidating smaller companies creates efficiencies in procurement, logistics, and operations.
• Modernize Systems and Processes: Replacing fragmented systems with centralized ERP platforms and integrating digital tools like AI and e-commerce solutions.
• Upgrade Leadership: PE firms often recruit seasoned executives who excel at scaling businesses and align their incentives with equity stakes.
• Shift to Recurring Revenue Models: For example, transitioning HVAC companies to subscription maintenance plans or adding SaaS features to traditional software products.
• Expand Products and Geography: Cross-selling, introducing complementary services, or expanding into new markets are common strategies.
  • A landscaping company might add snow removal services for year-round revenue.
  • A U.S.-based manufacturer might expand globally by leveraging PE expertise in navigating international markets.

These tactics enable PE firms to unlock potential and drive significant returns for all stakeholders.

Why This Matters for Business Owners

Understanding the private equity playbook helps business owners see the value PE firms bring to the table. By targeting the right industries, structuring deals effectively, and executing operational improvements, PE firms unlock immense value in the businesses they acquire.

If you’re considering selling your business, preparation is key. At Kinected Advisors, we’ve introduced a new service called ExitBoost® to help owners like you prepare for a successful transaction. ExitBoost® includes:

• A baseline valuation of your business.
• Benchmarking analysis to compare your performance to peers.
• A salability scorecard with actionable recommendations.

On average, our clients have seen valuation increases of 20–140% with our guidance.  With an 87% success rate in transactions, Kinected Advisors would love to help you unlock your next chapter. Let us guide you through the process and maximize the value of your business.

Your future starts with a conversation—let’s get started.