Like they say deal-making is about managing 3 E's - Egos, Emotions and Expectations, this wonderful piece of article I came across in the blog The Private Equiteer throws light on what is needed in a mid-market PE fund. For once, I have very little to add except to shamelessly plagiarize the link and post it.
As said elsewhere in the post, the recipe for success is to be truly amiable and tenacious. PE deals take a lifetime to complete (in the context of finance where trading can make you as much in a month if not a year). Softer aspects like rationality, friendship, temperament and a X-factor (what does the team think of you ? Go or a no-go ?). I have been in situations where the sheer patience and ability to hang in there to the relationship has been a deciding factor for either side (assuming of course the price is in and around the fair zone - no one is a sucker). Sure, you may not consummate anything but the mindspace one occupies is sure to guarantee you a look-in in the future as well.
On the stuff about portfolio management, can't agree with the stuff any more. Remember you are only a general physician - so please do not get into cardiac or arthritic territory. Acknowledge your lack of expertise (self-deprecate and direct them to a specialist) and focus on generic issues which can be de-constructed easily (people, systems, process issues than technology or product or market dynamics). Remember no physician ever held onto a patient (and his trust) by monkeying around with his health !
~Varadha
(varadha.r1@gmail.com)
As said elsewhere in the post, the recipe for success is to be truly amiable and tenacious. PE deals take a lifetime to complete (in the context of finance where trading can make you as much in a month if not a year). Softer aspects like rationality, friendship, temperament and a X-factor (what does the team think of you ? Go or a no-go ?). I have been in situations where the sheer patience and ability to hang in there to the relationship has been a deciding factor for either side (assuming of course the price is in and around the fair zone - no one is a sucker). Sure, you may not consummate anything but the mindspace one occupies is sure to guarantee you a look-in in the future as well.
On the stuff about portfolio management, can't agree with the stuff any more. Remember you are only a general physician - so please do not get into cardiac or arthritic territory. Acknowledge your lack of expertise (self-deprecate and direct them to a specialist) and focus on generic issues which can be de-constructed easily (people, systems, process issues than technology or product or market dynamics). Remember no physician ever held onto a patient (and his trust) by monkeying around with his health !
~Varadha
(varadha.r1@gmail.com)
