Chris Dion, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Brockenbrough, shares insights from managing over $4 billion in assets. He discusses why small buyout funds often outperform larger ones, emphasizing the critical role of deal leaders. Chris explains the importance of a client-first approach and how operational focus enhances returns in shifting economic conditions. The conversation also covers the evolution of investment strategies, highlighting the growing interest in small buyouts and the benefits of tailored management practices.
Small buyouts provide superior risk-adjusted returns due to lower volatility, appealing pricing, and stable cash flows from predictable businesses.
The success of larger endowments is driven by their access to alternative investments and strong relationships with high-quality fund managers.
Deep dives
Three Ways to Profit in Buyouts
There are three primary strategies to generate profits in buyout investments. The first involves growing the business itself by increasing revenues, EBITDA, and cash flow. The second strategy, which includes two avenues of multiple expansion, is partially out of the control of the general partner, specifically through the impact of decreasing interest rates on valuations. The controllable aspect of this strategy is professionalizing the business, enhancing growth rates, reducing customer concentration, and improving overall market appeal, all of which increase the business's attractiveness to potential buyers.
Success of Larger Endowments
Larger endowments, particularly those exceeding $1 billion, have historically outperformed smaller foundational groups due to two main factors: higher allocations to alternative investments and access to scarce, high-quality fund managers. With over 40 years of empirical data supporting this performance, successful endowments not only leverage alternative investments but also capitalize on their relationships with top-tier managers to optimize returns. Additionally, the skills and cohesiveness of the investment teams in these endowments significantly contribute to their success, as decision-making improves with a smaller, aligned group. This focused approach fosters an environment where experienced teams can concentrate on their core competencies, ultimately enhancing investment performance.
The Appeal of Small Buyouts
Small buyouts are increasingly recognized for providing superior risk-adjusted returns compared to larger buyouts. The data reveals that smaller buyout transactions tend to exhibit lower volatility, appealing pricing, and reduced financial leverage, making them less risky investments. Furthermore, the predictable nature of small businesses contributes to stable cash flows, and opportunities for operational improvements often exist in less professionalized environments. This combination of factors creates an attractive investment landscape, with potential for high returns while avoiding the heightened risks associated with larger fund sizes.
Chris Dion, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at Brockenbrough sits down with David Weisburd to discuss what makes small buyout funds resilient, how small buyouts outperform big private equity deals, and why the deal leader matters more than the firm.
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TIMESTAMPS:
(0:00) Episode Preview
(1:23) Client-First Approach in Asset Management
(3:03) Evolution of Broganbro's OCIO Practice and Endowment Model
(6:31) Skills and Decision-Making in Large Endowments
(9:26) In-depth Analysis of Small Buyouts
(15:36) Small vs. Large Buyouts and Venture Capital
(17:55) Challenges for LPs in Small Buyout Focus
(19:17) Comparing Operational Focus in Buyouts
(20:42) Closing Remarks
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