Middle Market PE Survey: How Sponsors are Navigating the Current Environment
Explore a new report from Apogem Capital and Coalition Greenwich analyzing how middle market private equity sponsors are navigating an environment characterized by volatile public markets, geopolitical uncertainty, and persistently high inflation. The report features trends and insights from more than 100 interviews with managing directors and partners at middle market private equity sponsors in the US.
The research revealed sponsors in the middle market could benefit from less competition for assets and more consistent opportunities for attractive exits relative to larger peers and sponsors operating in other segments of the market. Overall, participants articulated five strategies they are adopting to maximize the advantages in the middle market to negotiate challenging market conditions, outlined below:
- Build diversified portfolios emphasizing recession-resilient sectors
- Focus on creating value through operational improvements
- Lean into Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) initiatives
- Capitalize on fundraising by larger private equity sponsors for attractive exit opportunities
- Cultivate relationships with reliable partners
Based on the findings, it is clear that middle market sponsors are preparing for a challenging period ahead. We believe cycle-tested managers with unique value-add should be well-positioned to navigate this complex environment, mitigate risks, and potentially produce attractive results.
View the full report here.