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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The Hidden Mistakes Killing PE Value (And How to Fix Them)

The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

The Hidden Mistakes Killing PE Value (And How to Fix Them)