Resource Search

In an uncertain economic environment, what can family offices do to bridge M&A valuation gaps with sellers? In this 10-minute interview with Brian Lucareli, Director of Foley Private Client Services and Arthur Vorbrodt, Co-chair of the Family Offices group, learn about the pros and cons of utilizing rollover equity, earnout payments, and/or a combination thereof, and how a family office may utilize these contingent consideration mechanics, as tools to bridge M&A transaction valuation gaps with sellers.

By most measures, the start of the first quarter of 2025 painted a picture of positive economic momentum and optimism in the U.S. Growth remained solid. Unemployment hovered near 60-year lows. Real wages were rising. Corporate earnings were on track for double-digit growth. And then it turned from optimism to uncertainty to sheer panic with the Trump administration surprising markets with a sweeping set of tariffs. By quarter’s end, the tariffs have ignited fears of global trade war, surging inflation, and a material growth slowdown.

Given the impact of the back-and-forth tariffs and the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the risks of creating a bout of inflation or a bout of economic slowdown (or both) are very real. The uncertainty, market gyrations, and indications of a double-digit market correction at some point during 2025 are also creating tremendous angst. Instead of trying to dodge any market volatility and drawdowns, investors should stay the course. There are mitigating factors to the headwinds of the tariffs and DOGE. There will eventually be clarity.

Amid an increasingly volatile macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape, the private equity (PE) sector faces mounting challenges across the deal lifecycle—from fundraising to deal execution and exits. In turn, PE sponsors are seeking strategies to extract increased value from portfolio companies beyond the traditional cost cutting exercises. One underutilized and effective strategy is to optimize a portfolio company’s cash flows to enhance overall business performance, create operational value, and unlock substantial returns.

Investing is challenging, even for the most seasoned investors, given the underlying emotions and mental biases inherent in human decision making. To help minimize the challenges around investing, successful investors have explicit investment processes and practices that are clearly outlined and consistently implemented. To ensure you are set up for success with your investment process, we provide guidance on how to avoid the five key investment pitfalls—including failing to exercise strong governance—that can steer you off course.