Episode Summary
Paul Brennan, PE-backed CFO, shares lessons from exiting Lindsay Precast (sold to The Jordan Company), covering exit prep, value creation, and integration.
⏱️ Key Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & Background
CFO experience across PE, public, and family-owned businesses.
01:23 – Common PE Mistake
Lack of clarity on why data requests matter → impacts alignment.
03:13 – Exit Preparation
👉 Prepare every quarter
- Update data room
- Review QoE
- Avoid last-minute pressure
05:07 – Data Insight
Customer profitability analysis revealed hidden value drivers.
06:03 – Sale Process
👉 Management must own the narrative
- Review CIM as an outsider
07:46 – Final Exit Lesson
Working capital & closing estimates need tighter focus.
08:44 – Key Win
CRM rollout improved pipeline visibility and buyer confidence.
11:08 – Acquisition (Dutchland)
👉 Weekly integration + team collaboration drove success.
13:57 – Finance Transformation
- Built FP&A + BI tools
- Real-time data for better decisions
14:51 – Standardisation
Unified processes improved scalability and exit readiness.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Align teams by linking actions to value creation
- Always be exit-ready
- Data visibility = competitive advantage
- Own your story in a sale
- Integration requires structure and consistency
- Strong FP&A drives performance
Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success.
🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/
🌐 Visit Raw Selection www.raw-selection.com
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