How can private equity teams make portfolio companies exit-ready, not exit-reactive?
Exits go better when sponsors and management prepare early and together.
Exit readiness study
What drives exit success, and how alignment between sponsors and management improves speed, certainty and value.
Research methodology
We surveyed private equity professionals, portfolio company executives and investors.
Volatile exit windows require a longer preparation runway
The value of starting early
Early preparation improves valuation and speed.
Key challenges to value realization
Data, management capability and equity story.
Are portfolio companies getting what they need from sponsors?
Alignment and support vary.
The investor perspective
Be candid
Investors want honest communication about exits.
Longer holds are acceptable with a plan
A clear path to exit matters.
Successful exits start at acquisition
Plan the exit when you buy.
Engage investors
Use their perspective and relationships.
AI is a fast-rising challenge in exit preparation
Buyers assess AI risks and opportunities.
Be exit-ready, not exit-reactive
Summary
Early, aligned preparation creates better exits.
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