Portco Pain and the NetSuite Prescription

[3 Minute Read] Private equity (PE) firms face a range of challenges when managing their portfolio companies, which can be broadly classified into five distinct areas of potential pain; Performance Improvement, Talent Management, Financial Management, Strategic Planning and Exit Planning.

NetSuite is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that can help private equity (PE) firms address these critical areas within their portcos under management. Keep reading to learn how NetSuite can help:

PAIN #1 Performance Improvement
(Source: McKinsey & Company)

PE firms invest in portfolio companies with the aim of improving their performance and achieving a profitable exit. However, achieving this goal can be challenging, especially when the company is struggling with operational inefficiencies, low growth, or market headwinds. PE firms must work closely with the portfolio company's management team to identify and address these issues and implement a plan for growth.

PAIN #2 Talent Management
(Source: Bain & Company)

Recruiting and retaining top talent is critical for the success of portfolio companies. However, many portfolio companies struggle to attract and retain skilled employees, particularly in industries where there is a shortage of qualified workers. PE firms must work with portfolio company management to identify and address talent gaps and create a culture that fosters employee retention and development.

NetSuite includes a suite of human resources (HR) tools that can help portcos manage their workforce and attract top talent. These tools include recruitment management, employee onboarding, and performance management, which can help portcos develop a strong talent pipeline and retain key employees.

The platform itself is talent magnet, as the NetSuite ecosystem is made up of a global network of certified professionals and solution providers, as well as a robust marketplace of third-party integrated software partners.

PAIN #3 Financial Management
(Source: PwC)

Portfolio companies often require significant capital investment to fuel growth, and managing cash flow and capital expenditures can be challenging. PE firms must work closely with portfolio company management to develop and execute a financial plan that balances investment in growth with prudent financial management.

PAIN #4 Strategic Planning
(Source: Deloitte)

Many portfolio companies struggle to develop a long-term strategic plan that aligns with the firm's growth goals. PE firms must work with portfolio company management to identify growth opportunities, evaluate potential risks and challenges, and develop a strategic plan that positions the company for success.

PAIN #5 Exit Planning
(Source: EY)

PE firms invest in portfolio companies with the aim of achieving a profitable exit within a specified timeframe. However, identifying the right time to exit and finding the right buyer can be challenging. PE firms must work closely with portfolio company management to evaluate potential exit opportunities and develop a plan for a successful exit.

Managing a portfolio of companies can be challenging, and PE firms must be prepared to address these and other pain points to achieve success. NetSuite can help PE firms tackle many of the challenges of portco management, including improving performance, managing talent, optimizing financials, developing strategic plans, and preparing for a successful exit.

Effective communication, collaboration, and strategic planning are critical to overcoming the challenges for PE Firms and achieving growth and profitability for portfolio companies. NetSuite's cloud-based platform enables portcos and their PE owners to collaborate in real-time, which can help to foster closer relationships and more effective decision-making.

Want to learn more about NetSuite from a Solution Provider with extensive experience servicing both PE Firms and their portcos? How about one that is also a platform company with first-hand knowledge of covenants and reporting requirements?

Book A 15-Minute Teaser with me to understand how Business Solution Partners is helping PE Firms accelerate the time to value of their investments with rapid deployment, scalability, centralized data, real-time insights and customized solutions for a diverse set of industries.