Successful Exit Experience

Discover how we deliver top executive talent to achieve aggressive exit goals for private equity-backed companies.

Recruiting a CFO Lead a PE-Backed Company | Successful Exit

A private equity-backed manufacturing and services company with $150 million in annual revenue engaged us to find a CFO to prepare the company for a successful exit. With a goal of selling in 18 months, the firm required a financial leader capable of optimizing valuation, enhancing operations, and positioning the company attractively to buyers.

Client Overview

The client, a PE-backed manufacturing and services firm, needed a CFO with specialized expertise in leading a PE backed company to a successful exit within an aggressive 18 month time-line.

Financial Strategy

Driving robust financial planning to ensure scalability and growth for the manufacturing firm.

Leadership

Providing strong leadership to guide the private equity-backed firm toward strategic objectives.

Key Challenges

Specialized Experience

Required expertise in private equity exits, financial modeling, and managing due diligence.

Accelerated Time-line

Only 18 months to optimize operations and prepare for a sale.

Cultural Fit

Needed alignment with the results-driven PE ethos and the company collaborative culture.

Strategic Planning

1

Role Definition

Worked with PE investors and the CEO to define a profile emphasizing exit strategies, buyer negotiations, and compliance.

2

Targeted Search

Leveraged our network to identify candidates with proven private equity exit experience and sell-side expertise.

3

Assessment and Selection

Evaluated technical and strategic capabilities alongside cultural fit through tailored assessments.

4

Timely Placement

Presented a shortlist within four weeks and completed the search in under eight weeks.

Outcomes

Successful Placement

CFO with 20+ Years of Experience

Successfully placed a CFO with proven track record of leading two firms through successful M&A exits.

Strategic Initiatives

Cost Optimization

Identified and implemented significant cost-saving opportunities

Process Improvement

Streamlined financial reporting and operational processes

Financial Growth

Significantly improved EBITDA through strategic initiatives

Accelerated Exit

Achieved strategic buyer acquisition within nine months

Key Takeaways

This case demonstrates the value of aligning executive talent with strategic goals. A CFO with specialized expertise in exits can accelerate time-lines and significantly enhance valuation in high-stakes, time-sensitive scenarios.