In Phase 1 operational improvements, a Pareto analysis reveals that the majority of value comes from three key areas: aligning and incentivizing the management team, rationalizing the revenue portfolio to focus on profitable segments, and optimizing the operational footprint.
A common investor mistake is underwriting a deal that requires 15-20 different initiatives to go perfectly. A superior approach concentrates on 3-5 key value drivers, recognizing that the probability of many independent events all succeeding is mathematically negligible, thus providing a more realistic path to a strong return.
Instead of just telling portfolio company leaders what to do, effective PE operators 'show' them how with specific frameworks, tools, and process examples. This visual and systematic approach is more effective than verbal direction alone and accelerates the implementation of value-creating activities.
To combat the private equity industry's low success rate with CXO appointments, Speyside Equity uses a two-axis framework. It evaluates executives on their ability to achieve results (the Y-axis) and their personality and competencies to do it the 'right way' (the X-axis), effectively creating a 'no jerks' filter.
Before pursuing complex strategies, the most effective starting point for value creation in smaller businesses is a deep dive into cost accounting. This foundational work, often neglected due to its difficulty, reveals precisely where margins are made and destroyed, which then informs all subsequent strategic decisions.
Experience shows that companies below a $50 million revenue threshold typically lack the necessary systems, processes, and people to support a significant transformation. This creates a bright-line rule for Speyside: go small for bolt-ons, but not for platform companies that require a turnaround, as the risk-weighted returns are unfavorable.