Private Equity Experience

In this episode, the hosts unpack a growing trend of small business owners rejecting private equity offers, highlighted by a plumber who repeatedly turned down buyout opportunities. They explore how PE firms identify and target fragmented industries, and why roll-up strategies remain a core playbook. The conversation dives into the real reasons behind founder resistance, from preserving legacy and culture to concerns about control ...

In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating (and sometimes salacious) business of fishing. 🌊 We explore the journey of Simms Fishing, the iconic brand that went from a family-owned boutique in 1980 to a $1.3 billion private equity play.

What happens when a brand built on craftsmanship and "Mom and Pop" loyalty scales for the masses? We discuss the recent retail boycott by small fly shops, the impact of the COVID-19...

📉 Is the Private Equity model fundamentally broken, or is it just a pause?

In this episode of the Private Equity Experience, hosts Ed Barton, Rory Liebhart, and Emily Sander dive deep into the "structural reset" currently hitting the industry. Based on recent data from Cascadia Capital, the team debates whether the recent slowdown is a temporary cyclical pause or a permanent shift in how private equity operates....

Does private equity just optimize businesses, or does it optimize the entire playing field? 📈 In this episode of The Private Equity Experience, Emily Sander, Ed Barton, and Rory Liebhart pull back the curtain on the "sophisticated" world of public policy and lobbying.

We dive deep into how private equity firms use their outsized weight to influence laws, regulations, and tax codes to protect their returns. From ...

In this episode of the Private Equity Experience, Emily Sander, Ed Barton, and Rory Liebhart dive into the secretive and rapidly growing world of family offices. Think Private Equity is the only big player in town? Think again. In our latest episode of the Private Equity Experience, we’re pulling back the curtain on the $5.5 trillion world of Family Offices

From 40-year investment horizons to the "poaching" of to...

Dive into the future of private equity with hosts Rory Liebhart, Emily Sander, and Ed Barton! In this episode, they break down the top trends shaping 2026, from AI's impact on labor to soaring interest rates and deglobalization. Learn how PE firms are adapting to these challenges, what it means for founders and investors, and hear their bold sports predictions for the year!

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Dive into the world of private equity with hosts Rory Liebhart, Emily Sander, and Ed Barton! In this episode of The Private Equity Experience Podcast, the trio discusses their groundbreaking book On Ramp to Exit—a no-nonsense guide to navigating PE transactions, avoiding pitfalls, and preparing for the future. Learn why they wrote the book, their personal stories from the trenches, and their predictions for AI’s impact on private e...

In this trending topic episode of the Private Equity Experience Podcast, hosts dive into the explosive intersection of private equity (PE) in college sports. Fueled by NIL deals, revenue sharing, transfer portal chaos, and massive TV rights contracts, college athletics—especially college football and basketball—is on the brink of a PE revolution. Is the Big Ten "selling its soul"? Could Notre Dame sell 10 years of TV righ...

Discover the secret sauce behind private equity (PE) growth strategies! In this episode, Emily Sander, Rory Liebhart, and Ed Barton break down why PE firms target founder-led businesses and reveal the tactical playbooks to scale them. From "buy low, sell high" foundations to aligning visions, unlocking growth through talent/capital infusion, and leveraging technology, they cover it all. You’ll learn how PE turns underperf...

Breaking news! Electronic Arts (EA) – the studio behind FIFA, Madden, and Battlefield – is being acquired in the largest-ever private equity buyout ($55B! Katie stuns at the size of the deal). In this episode, we break down:

✅ How Leverage Buyouts (LBOs) work (Rory’s $500k house analogy!) ☑️ The players: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund + Jared Kushner’s PE firm + Silver Lake
✅ EA’s $5B revenue surge, subscription mode...

In this 35‑minute episode, the hosts break down the five most common pitfalls that founders face when they bring a private‑equity (PE) firm aboard. From overlooked deal structures to the emotional reality of an eventual exit, the conversation is packed with hard‑won lessons, humorous anecdotes, and actionable advice for entrepreneurs who are looking to or already in a PE partnership.

“A founder’s job is to build a company....

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s actively reshaping the landscape of Private Equity (PE) right now. In this can’t-miss episode of The Private Equity Experience, hosts Emily Sander, Ed Barton, and Rory Liebhart dive deep into how AI is creating immediate, tangible value in the PE ecosystem.

The discussion kicks off with a rapid-fire round of questions about trusting AI in our personal lives, but qui...

In this episode, hosts Emily Sander, Ed Barton, and Rory Liebhart dive deep into one of the most powerful tools for leadership teams and private equity-backed companies: The Flash Report.

What You’ll Learn:

• What a Flash Report is and why it’s a game-changer for leadership transparency and decision-making.
• How to structure a Flash Report using frameworks like Balanced Scorecard, OKRs, or EOS.
• Why Flash Reports improve communication ...

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Private Equity Experience podcast! In this episode, Emily Sander, Ed Barton, and Rory Liebhart dive into the controversial question: Is private equity too big to fail? As they discuss the parallels between the banking industry's "too big to fail" concept and private equity's massive influence, they explore the implications for investors, companies, and the broader eco...

In this episode of the Private Equity Experience Podcast, we dive into the critical role of operating partners in private equity funding and their impact on the dilution of investment value. Hosts Emily Sander, Rory Liebhart, and Ed Barton break down how operating partners bridge the gap between PE firms and portfolio companies, offering tactical expertise, strategic oversight, and operational efficiencies. From CFOs and CTOs to tu...

Description:
Tune in to the Private Equity Experience Podcast as we dive into the increasingly controversial topic of private equity making its way into 401(k) retirement accounts. This episode explores the latest developments, including Senator Warren's strong concerns and the potential risks associated with adding illiquid and volatile assets to employee retirement savings.

Key Takeaways:
Senator Warren&apos...

Overview: 

In this episode of The Private Equity Experience, Emily, Rory, and Ed dive into the world of rollup mergers in private equity. Rollup mergers involve acquiring and consolidating multiple smaller companies in the same industry to create a larger, more efficient entity. The hosts discuss the intricacies, challenges, and potential pitfalls of this strategy, providing insights into how private equity firms can navigate these ...

In Episode 15, hosts Emily Sanders and Rory Liebhart delve into the world of Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs), examining how private equity firms and other entities utilize substantial debt to acquire companies. Joined by expert Edward Barton, the conversation examines the mechanics of an LBO, its benefits and substantial risks, including cash flow pressure and covenant breaches. The episode also addresses why the current private equity ma...

Introduction to Equity Dilution and Its Impact on Investors

Equity Dilution Definition: Occurs when a company issues new shares to raise capital, leading to a decrease in the ownership percentage of existing shareholders.

Founder's Perspective: Founders often face the decision of whether to retain complete control over their company or raise capital by accepting dilution, which can significantly impact their ...