Navigating Wealth Should I Sell to Private Equity or Strategic Buyers? ft. Eric Wiklendt | Navigating Wealth
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Jan 21, 2026 In this engaging conversation, Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director at Spayside Equity, dives deep into the complexities of selling businesses. He outlines the three main exit strategies for founders and emphasizes the importance of operational improvements in private equity. Eric contrasts private equity with corporate M&A and explains when strategic buyers might offer more value. With insights on the current manufacturing landscape, he discusses the impacts of AI and reshoring, all while highlighting the need for creative talent in an evolving economy.
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Be Clear About Post-Sale Involvement
- Be honest with yourself and prospective PE partners about how involved you want to be after a sale.
- Match deal structure and the transformation plan to your desired post-close role.
Operator PE Blends Ops With Deals
- Operator-led PE firms integrate operating expertise into dealmaking and value creation.
- They focus first on operational EBITDA improvement, then on commercial growth.
PE Firms Often Split Deal And Ops Roles
- Many PE professionals come from investment banking and are more transactionally oriented.
- That leads to a split between deal teams and operating teams after close at some firms.