Author: Gerald O'Dwyer

Written By: Gerald O’Dwyer the PE Guru

Dear Executives, 

In a dynamic private equity (PE) climate, particularly in the lower middle market, the importance of being proactive and well-informed cannot be overstated. Recent trends and shifts in the PE landscape necessitate a strategic and informed approach, especially for executives aspiring to work closely with PE firms. 

Understanding the Current PE Environment

Challenging Exit Environment: As observed in Q3 2023, there has been a significant slowdown in exit opportunities, the lowest since the global financial crisis, primarily due to tight monetary conditions. 

Innovative Exit Strategies: The emergence of secondaries and continuation funds as new exit avenues signifies the evolving nature of the PE industry. 

Resilient Fundraising Efforts: Despite a 12% decline from the record-breaking year of 2022, fundraising has shown remarkable resilience. 

Shift in Deal Focus: A notable trend is the potential predominance of growth deals over Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs), with corporate carveouts being highlighted for their bankability. 

Your Path to PE Engagement & Success

Leverage BlackmoreConnects: As an executive, it’s crucial to be prepared and knowledgeable. BlackmoreConnects offers a unique platform to build your brand and value proposition. Through our virtual conferences (www.blackmoreconnects.com), you gain direct access to PE professionals, providing a vital opportunity to understand current trends, network, and present your skills and vision directly to key industry players. 

Harness the Power of Now: In a rapidly changing market, acting swiftly and decisively is vital. The power of NOW is your guiding principle to gaining a foothold and standing out in the competitive PE space. Engaging with PE firms through BlackmoreConnects places you on the court, ready to play and win. 

Access to PitchBook: Knowledge is power. With access to the comprehensive PE database at www.pitchbook.com, you can perform customized outreach to PE firms that align with your expertise and interests. This tool enables you to tailor your approach, targeting firms in your wheelhouse, and understanding their investment strategies and preferences. 

For executives eager to navigate and succeed in the lower middle market of private equity, embracing these tools and principles is not just an option, but a necessity. The landscape is challenging but ripe with opportunities for the prepared and proactive. 

Embrace the moment, and let’s connect at our next BlackmoreConnects conference. The time to act is now!