Middle Market Growth Conversations

We’re back with another episode of our limited series, “Inside DealMAX,” where we’re joined by Trivest Partners’ Tony Hill, our 2025 DealMAX chair, and Houlihan Lokey’s Chris Hebble, DealMAX private equity committee co-chair, to discuss how the first quarter is shaping up for dealmakers, why you can’t miss this year’s DealMAX, their favorite things to do in Vegas, and more. *** The Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To hear more interviews with middle-market influencers, subscribe to the Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Soundcloud.

Finding stability is the name of the game as sponsors and lenders grapple with stubborn inflation. However, there are actions businesses can take now to spur growth. Betsy Booth, a partner at TPG Twin Brook Capital Partners, rejoins the podcast to discuss her approach in uncertain times, which industries are particularly good at weathering instability, trends in the lending market and more. This episode is brought to you by TPG Twin Brook Capital Partners. *** The Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To hear more interviews with middle-market influencers, subscribe to the Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Soundcloud.

Stuart Aronson, CEO of WhiteHorse U.S., and Pankaj Gupta, President and global head of originations, dive into the future of lending as we approach 2025. They discuss how interest rates and private equity will influence acquisition activity, highlighting a cautiously optimistic outlook. The duo also analyzes shifts in underwriting standards, potential economic challenges, and emerging credit structures in sponsor vs. non-sponsor markets. Their insights reveal a dynamic landscape with evolving risks and opportunities for investors.

Tom Lenfestey, founder and CEO of the Law Practice Exchange, offers a fresh perspective on how private equity is eyeing law firms as lucrative investments. He discusses the challenges posed by regulations and ABA rules that limit ownership and the strategies firms can adopt to enhance profitability through technology. Lenfestey highlights recent shifts in regulations, particularly in Arizona, aimed at improving access to legal services, and explores how the evolving landscape is pushing firms to adapt to new business models and consolidate for competitiveness.

Ashton Gillespie, Vice President at TM Capital, shares her insights into the investment banking landscape. She emphasizes the importance of relationship-building in private equity, drawing from her entrepreneurial experiences. The discussion navigates the value of strategic networking at the DealMax conference, highlighting the need for diverse representation. Gillespie shares a personal story about launching an activewear brand, showcasing the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship. Additionally, she offers practical travel tips for effective networking at industry events.

In our second episode of our limited series, “Inside DealMAX,” we sit down with Libertas Funding’s Karin Kovacic and Holland & Knight’s Jose Gabaldon to reminisce about surprising ways great connections are made, discuss the M&A landscape today, share best networking tips for the conference and more. *** The Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To hear more interviews with middle-market influencers, subscribe to the Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Soundcloud.

When the M&A market is muted or volatile, maintaining a consistent capital deployment strategy can be a challenge. Drew Guyette, senior partner and co-chief credit officer at TPG Twin Brook, joins the podcast to discuss the prevailing tailwinds in the lower-middle market, how his firm is putting capital to work right now and what he sees on the horizon in 2025. *** This episode is brought to you by TPG Twin Brook Capital Partners. The Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To hear more interviews with middle-market influencers, subscribe to the Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Soundcloud.

As we prepare for DealMAX 2025, the podcast is kicking off “Inside DealMAX,” a limited series exploring the M&A environment, strategies to maximize your time at the conference and the best tips for when you touch down in Las Vegas. For our first episode, we’re joined by ACG’s CEO Brent Baxter and Lion Equity's Aaron Polack to discuss corporate deal activity, travel hacks, building valuable relationships and more. *** The Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To hear more interviews with middle-market influencers, subscribe to the Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Soundcloud.

A poorly managed exit process can erode value, and in the worst cases, a portfolio company that isn’t prepared to start that process can kill a deal. Tony Esposito, managing director of private equity and venture capital at Consero, and Josh Welk, founder and managing partner at Full Guard Capital, discuss the indicators that show a portfolio company isn’t ready for exit, the potential fallout from a lack of preparedness, then share their tips for what to do when you spot those signs. *** This episode is brought to you by Consero Global, a leading FaaS (Finance as a Service) provider. The Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To hear more interviews with middle-market influencers, subscribe to the Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Soundcloud.

The CFO role has evolved greatly in recent decades, and perhaps even more so within private equity-backed companies. Tom Pierce, managing director of the CFO advisory services arm of Consero Global, and Jason Adams, principal at BV Investment Partners, an investor in Consero, join the podcast to share their unique perspectives on how the role has shifted and how CFOs and PE teams can best collaborate to drive value throughout the exit process. This episode is brought to you by Consero Global, a leading FaaS (Finance as a Service) provider. This is part two in a three-part series about exit preparedness. *** The Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast is produced by the Association for Corporate Growth. To hear more interviews with middle-market influencers, subscribe to the Middle Market Growth Conversations podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Soundcloud.