Deal by Deal: A Private Equity Podcast
McGuireWoods
Welcome to Deal-by-Deal, a Podcast by McGuireWoods. Deal-by-Deal invites you to conversations with experienced independent sponsors and other private equity professionals. Join McGuireWoods partners Greg Hawver and Jeff Brooker as they explore middle-market Private Equity M&A to provide you with timely insights and relevant takeaways.
McGuireWoods is a full-service firm providing legal and public affairs solutions to corporate, individual, and nonprofit clients worldwide for more than 200 years collectively. Our commitment to excellence in everything we do gives our clients a competitive edge in everything they do. Our law firm, over its 186-year history, has earned the loyalty of our many long-standing clients with a deep understanding of their businesses, and broad skills in corporate transactions, high-stakes disputes, and complex regulatory and compliance matters.
To learn more about McGuireWoods or to contact us, please visit our website at mcguirewoods.com.
This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.
McGuireWoods is a full-service firm providing legal and public affairs solutions to corporate, individual, and nonprofit clients worldwide for more than 200 years collectively. Our commitment to excellence in everything we do gives our clients a competitive edge in everything they do. Our law firm, over its 186-year history, has earned the loyalty of our many long-standing clients with a deep understanding of their businesses, and broad skills in corporate transactions, high-stakes disputes, and complex regulatory and compliance matters.
To learn more about McGuireWoods or to contact us, please visit our website at mcguirewoods.com.
This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 29, 2025 • 25min
Trends in the Deal-by-Deal Ecosystem
Ariez Dustoor, founder of the NB Group, shares insights from his eight years in the investment world. He highlights the increasing sophistication of independent sponsors in the M&A landscape. Ariez explains the flexibility of the independent sponsor model, especially in family-owned businesses and healthcare sectors. He also discusses future AI applications for market research and the importance of interpersonal skills in negotiations, emphasizing how personal connections can significantly enhance closing deals.
32 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 28min
Unlocking Value with Real Estate in M&A Transactions
In this engaging discussion, Luke Timmis from Signature Associates and Phil Coover from McGuireWoods delve into the power of sale leaseback transactions in M&A. Luke highlights how these deals sell cash flow streams rather than just real estate, often fetching a 25-50% premium over appraisals. The duo explores strategic lease structures, the impact of flexibility through substitution clauses, and the intricate dynamics between buyers and sellers, revealing how savvy real estate strategies can significantly enhance private equity outcomes.
Mar 14, 2025 • 32min
Deal-Hunting During Mixed Economic Signals: Expert Insights
“In terms of the big three numbers – employment, inflation, and GDP growth – our baseline forecast is optimistic,” says Matt Wolf of RSM in this economic outlook discussion with host Greg Hawver. Matt points to a 4.2% unemployment rate, two-and-a-half point inflation, and 2.5% GDP growth. But he also observes that the uncertainty of tariffs is creating “paralysis” among operators and some investors. “There's just too many variables right now to try to game out any sort of meaningful investment,” he suggests.Connect and Learn More☑️ Matt Wolf | LinkedIn☑️ RSM | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.
Feb 11, 2025 • 31min
Scaling a Buy-and-Build Platform
Host Greg Hawver interviews Chris Larson of Monroe Capital and Jeff Magny of Lincoln Road Global Management about their buy-and-build strategy in the commercial landscaping industry. Chris and Jeff describe how they work together to finance and execute these acquisitions, the key attributes they look for in a successful buy-and-build strategy, and their outlook for the independent sponsor market in the coming years.Connect and Learn More☑️ Chris Larson | LinkedIn☑️ Monroe Capital | LinkedIn | X☑️ Jeff Magny | LinkedIn☑️ Lincoln Road Global Management | LinkedIn☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.
8 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 28min
Guiding Independent Sponsors on Carry Structures and Catch-Ups, with Grant Kornman
Grant Kornman, Partner at Align Collaborate, dives into the complexities of tiered carry structures and catch-ups in private equity. He emphasizes aligning incentives and the importance of valuations in determining profit shares. Kornman discusses the negotiation dynamics between sponsors and capital partners, highlighting communication’s role in fostering successful collaborations. He also shares insights on investment strategies for independent sponsors, focusing on lower middle-market opportunities and the role of legal practices in building strong partnerships.
Dec 12, 2024 • 27min
Solving a Distressed Business’s Balance Sheet Problems with Robert Orr and Mark Freedlander
Host Greg Hawver welcomes his McGuireWoods colleague Mark Freedlander, head of the firm’s Restructuring & Insolvency Practice Group, and Robert Orr, principal at Sandton Capital Partners, to discuss their recent restructuring of a distressed healthcare business. The team took out the existing senior secured lender and allowed an out-of-court restructuring of the business and its capital structure. As Robert explains, they recognized that the company faced challenges – including unsustainable debt – but also that it had a “reason to exist.” “We just needed to solve the balance sheet problems,” he says.Connect and Learn More☑️ Robert Orr I LinkedIn☑️ Sandton Capital Partners I LinkedIn☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.
Nov 15, 2024 • 38min
2024 Independent Sponsor Deal Survey – More Deals, More Sophistication
Hosts Greg Hawver, Jeff Brooker, and Jason Griffith present the 2024 Independent Sponsor Deal Survey, a treasure trove of data compiled from more than 300 transactions by independent sponsors and capital partners. “One of the things that’s really changing in independent sponsor transactions is that the professionalism, the backgrounds of the folks, and the credentials just become better and better every year,” Jeff observes. “And that is resulting in more transaction volume, more sophisticated transactions, and, frankly, larger transactions as well.”Connect and Learn More☑️ Jeff Brooker | LinkedIn☑️ Greg Hawver | LinkedIn☑️ Jason Griffith | LinkedIn☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.
Oct 31, 2024 • 29min
LIVE FROM ISC2024: Anatomy of a Successful Independent Sponsor Deal with Oliver Patten and Parker Shields
Recording live from the Independent Sponsor Conference in Dallas, host Jason Griffith invites Oliver Patten and Parker Shields of Sherburne Partners to discuss their experience buying a packaging company. Oliver and Parker cover a range of topics, from stepping in as independent sponsors to building relationships to asking the management team “stupid” – but also thought-provoking - questions that they may not have considered for years.Connect and Learn More☑️ Oliver Patten | LinkedIn☑️ Parker Shields | LinkedIn☑️ Sherburne Partners | LinkedIn☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.
Sep 30, 2024 • 25min
Navigating Governance and Rollover Equity in Independent Sponsor Deals with Mike Palm
Mike Palm of Charter Capital Partners discusses governance and seller rollover in independent sponsor deals with hosts Greg Hawver and Jason Griffith. Their conversation covers the importance of building trust and relationships with sponsors, aligning interests through rollover equity, and navigating board dynamics. Mike emphasizes the need for founder alignment, proactive communication, and trust in dealing with challenges such as performance issues and governance structures. He also suggests that early engagement with capital providers, transparency in decision-making, and fostering a collaborative approach can achieve successful outcomes in private equity transactions.Connect and Learn More☑️ Mike Palm | LinkedIn | Email☑️ Charter Capital Partners | LinkedIn☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.
Sep 12, 2024 • 29min
FTC’s Non-Compete Ban Overturned + Evolution of Non-Competes in M&A Deals
On this cross-over episode of Deal by Deal and The Corner Series, McGuireWoods’ partners Greg Hawver and Geoff Cockrell welcome labor and employment partner Meghaan Madriz to discuss recent headlines regarding the FTC’s proposed ban and the broader legal landscape for non-competes.Tune in as Meghaan breaks down the evolving enforceability of restrictive covenants, including non-competes tied to employment agreements, sales of businesses, and equity ownership. She also highlights trends in state-specific legislation and shares insights from her experience litigating these issues. The conversation covers how businesses can use alternative tools, such as deferred compensation or retention bonuses, to retain employees amidst increasing scrutiny of non-competes.
