Roland Graaf

🌱 𝐈𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰? Let’s Talk. We usually think of finance in terms of profit margins, balance sheets, and market trends. But today, it's becoming something more—a tool to create real impact. Picture this: your financial decisions, whether investing or managing assets, can actually contribute to a better world. From supporting companies that are working on sustainable practices to making investments that align with social responsibility, finance is evolving to reflect our values. It’s not just about returns anymore. It’s about choosing to invest in what matters: businesses that prioritize transparency, fairness, and sustainability. This shift isn’t just for the experts—it's for everyone. Each of us has the power to make decisions that influence how industries operate and contribute to a more sustainable world. That’s where 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 (𝐖𝐎𝐅𝐀) 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, comes in. It’s a chance to connect with others who are thinking the same, and looking for a way to drive positive change. Learn from leaders in the field, share insights, and explore how we can balance financial goals with broader social impact. This is the future of finance: practical, purposeful, and people-driven. Are you in? 📅 January 31 – February 2, 2025 📍 Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, India 🔗 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭: https://lnkd.in/dCB2Z_Sr Let’s create a financial system that works for everyone. #Networking #Opportunity #WofA2025 The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India #FinanceForGood #SustainableInvesting #GlobalInnovation

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I look forward to the panel conversation about ESG and Impact Investing and catching up with people during the conference. Thanks Private Equity Insights for the invitation! #privateequity #ESG #impactinvesting #netzero

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A Merger or an Outright Takeover? Great article on asset management by Camilla P. in the Financial Times. I couldn’t agree more with her closing remark: “Defensive tie-ups between two challenged businesses are not always better than going it alone.” Why do I agree? From Lestrade’s extensive experience in Operational Due Diligence on asset managers, we’ve found that successful takeovers are rare (though they do happen). As for mergers of equals or co-control scenarios? They’re almost always a recipe for disaster. A prime example is the recent situation between Western Asset Management and Franklin Templeton, where Franklin’s ‘stand-offish’ approach has created more issues than solutions. My view on this: Don’t merge—take over decisively. Like ripping off a band-aid, do it quickly and cleanly. What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments! #privateequity #assetmanagement #Merger #M&A In asset management, big is beautiful — but it is not enough

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We have published our Report on Private Equity Trends and Acquisition Financing in the Netherlands. **A Favorable M&A Climate for Private Equity!**📈 Download our detailed report for a comprehensive analysis on Private Equity’s Footprint in the Netherlands: https://lnkd.in/enEeWZmc Including the latest update on Dutch add-ons and acquisition financing. #PrivateEquity #DebtFinancing #Acquisition #MnA PE & Debt Advisory team: Pieter Beck Vincent Hafkamp Eric Koelmans Luuk van Leeuwen Special thanks to: Alexander Diels

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Below some good coverage on Tioga Capital Partners Flagship Fund II highlighting our focus verticals and diligence approach. Thanks a lot Benny Debruyne for the opportunity and interview!

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🎙️ New Podcast Alert: Pioneer Investing. 🎙️ Curious about how to spot the next big investment opportunity? 🏡✨ In our latest episode of the Bali Business Club podcast, Gawain Blizzard and Omri Ben-Canaan dive into 3 Reasons Why Certain Areas Become Investment Hot Spots and how you can identify them early. 🔍📈 Discover how this trend can signal the perfect moment to invest. 💰💰💰 https://lnkd.in/g6Nh9Htd #BaliBusinessClub #BBCPodcast #KedunguFund #InvestmentTips #HotSpotInvesting #RealEstateTrends #BaliInvestments #InvestmentOpportunities #PodcastTeaser

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Banking Circle’s Sale: A Strategic Leap in Cross-Border Finance As the anticipated $3–4 billion sale of Banking Circle approaches, industry specialists emphasize its strategic significance. “Acquiring this infrastructure could shorten market entry and product innovation cycles by up to a year,” says Leonie Huang, Senior Analyst at FinTech Insights Europe. Daniel McCarthy, CFO of a European challenger bank, notes that integrating Banking Circle’s platform could reduce cross-border costs by 20–30%, while accelerating settlement times and elevating customer experience. In a landscape marked by surging international transactions and complex regulatory environments, controlling a proven, scalable payments backbone is increasingly vital. According to Chiara Ferrini, partner at consultancy firm Envisio, “The winning bidder will gain a strategic asset capable of reshaping their global presence and competitiveness.” Ultimately, this deal is about more than just a change in ownership—it’s a pivotal move that could define the next era of cross-border payments.

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Why Should Private Equity Firms Hire Interim Managers? 🔒💼 When navigating complex transitions, managing distressed assets, or driving portfolio growth, Interim Managers can be your ultimate competitive advantage. Here’s why: 👉 Speed with Discretion: Interim Managers can step in within days, seamlessly managing leadership gaps without disrupting operations. Their work is discreet and tailored to the high-stakes, confidential nature of private equity deals. 👉 Deep Expertise: With decades of experience in restructuring, M&A, and operational turnarounds, they know how to stabilize, streamline, and set the stage for long-term profitability. 👉 Cost-Efficiency: Interim Managers focus on delivering high-impact results during critical periods, ensuring value creation without the overhead of a permanent hire. 👉 Confidential and Objective: Free from internal dynamics, they provide impartial, results-driven leadership while maintaining the utmost confidentiality—essential in competitive markets. 👉 Strategic Execution: Whether it’s driving growth, preparing a portfolio company for exit, or navigating complex cross-border challenges, they deliver both operational fixes and strategic direction. At CE Interim, we specialize in matching private equity firms with top-tier Interim Managers who understand the pressures of managing high-value assets and delivering results quickly and confidentially. 💡 Have you leveraged Interim Management to drive portfolio success? Let’s discuss how we can support your next big challenge. #InterimManagement #PrivateEquity #Confidentiality #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #TurnaroundSpecialist

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So will 2024 see a bounce back in M&A and how does that impact the way various investors (both specialist companies and private equity groups) view how they can generate value. Interesting to hear the different perspectives and investment approaches from Claude Mikkelsen of BB Biotech, Ivo Hobson of Mutares SE & Co. KGaA and James Isola of Oakley Capital. With views and commentary on the market from Edison Group’s own Neil Shah, it was clear that PE investors are having to work harder to generate the value by investing knowledge, time and more hands on support in bringing particular skills to bear for their portfolio companies whether that be talent, M&A, sales or regulations (an area where we at CEN are supporting many clients). Thanks to the panel for an interesting discussion. CEN-ESG #mergersandacquisitions #privateequity #pe

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Simon Kucher Private Equity Value Creation 2024 Value Creation Study September 26, 2024  Some Key points: - Business Improvement as a Major Driver: The 2024 study shows that 46% of PE returns are now driven by business improvement, with topline revenue growth accounting for two-thirds of this figure. - Sales Optimization as a Top Lever: PE executives identify sales optimization as the top lever for driving value creation, but only one-third of firms assess sales opportunities during due diligence, presenting a missed opportunity. - Importance of Pricing: While pricing ranks fifth in impact among value creation levers, it’s growing in prominence during diligence, although it’s still not fully explored quantitatively. - Challenges of Unrealistic Business Cases: One-third of business improvement initiatives fail, primarily due to overly ambitious business cases, poor focus, and poor implementation. - Skills and Capabilities for Success: Firms need to focus on "safe bet" levers like pricing, product, and business expansion, developing internal capabilities or partnering with external resources to improve success rates in the growth-driven era. https://lnkd.in/gX_7QtHY

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2024: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝗼𝘁 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟. Passive strategies died. Provider relationships crumbled. Only those who transformed their approach succeeded. This year stripped away comfortable illusions. The market didn't just change - it demanded a complete reimagining of how Interim Managers operate. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗮 𝗕𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿: - Traditional provider models collapsed under market pressure - Strategic partnerships became survival mechanism, not luxury - Proactive project acquisition separated survivors from casualties 𝗣𝗜𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗡𝗢'𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲: - Developed advanced partnership training programs - Challenged industry's passive acquisition mindsets - Expanded network through targeted, strategic collaboration Three Posts That Defined Our Industry Perspective: 1. DDIM Kongress Reflections Highlighting professional networking's critical role in survival https://lnkd.in/egK34zQp 2. Market Evolution Insights Analyzing the dynamic transformation of Interim Management https://lnkd.in/eb8TT4C7 3. Active vs Passive Management Strategy Confronting the hard truth: chance favors the prepared https://lnkd.in/e_3EEUFR 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁: The market won't get easier. It will get 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴. Interim Managers who haven't transformed their approach will become irrelevant. Not a prediction. A promise. To those still operating with 2023 strategies: Your obsolescence is already in motion. Prepare. Adapt. Transform. Or fade away.

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The Strategic Role of Executive Interim Management in Private Equity Private Equity owners often engage Executive Interim Managers when a portfolio company stands before a major transformation. Often, the existing management lacks the necessary skills for the transformation and in these cases, Executive Interim Managers are crucial for implementing operational improvements and aligning management interests with those of shareholders. An interim professional guides the management to adapt to the owner’s vision, identifying shortcomings and opportunities. They enhance financial systems, marketing, operations, and technology, driving organizational change and opening new market opportunities. The Private Equity-sector has evolved from being financially driven to be specialized on strategic investments. With the additional expertise, that Executive Interim Management bring, Private Equity firms can better assess markets and create value. Interim Managers play a pivotal role throughout the investment cycle—from transaction assessment and due diligence to post-deal stabilization and successful exits. Investment in Expertise Interim management is a strategic investment, not just a cost. Professional Interim Managers provide significant value during the preliminary study and implementation phases, as well as during a transformation. They are integrated into the organization, unlike external consultants, and take operational control while retaining crucial knowledge within the business. Ensuring Stability and unbiased leadership Professional Interim Managers bring tested expertise, structure, and clear communication. They embed stability during change, planning for smooth transitions to permanent leadership. Interim Managers can make tough decisions without emotional attachments. Their primary focus is delivering successful outcomes, which builds their reputation and future employment prospects. Flexible Leadership Solutions Executive Interim Managers allow organizations to define and refine leadership roles without committing long-term. As they help onboard permanent managers, they provide continuity and stability during transitions. Executive Interim Managers play a critical role in the Private Equity landscape, offering strategic expertise and operational leadership during pivotal transitions. They enable portfolio companies to navigate complex changes, enhance organizational capabilities, and achieve alignment with shareholder goals. As the Private Equity sector continues to evolve towards strategic investment, the value brought by these interim professionals becomes increasingly indispensable. Investing in Executive Interim Management is not merely a cost but a strategic move that drives growth, stability, and long-term success.   #interimmanagement #privateequity #bestadvice

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The Strategic Role of Executive Interim Management in Private Equity Private Equity owners often engage Executive Interim Managers when a portfolio company stands before a major transformation. Often, the existing management lacks the necessary skills for the transformation and in these cases, Executive Interim Managers are crucial for implementing operational improvements and aligning management interests with those of shareholders. An interim professional guide the management to adapt to the owner’s vision, identifying shortcomings and opportunities. They enhance financial systems, marketing, operations, and technology, driving organizational change and opening new market opportunities. The Private Equity-sector has evolved from being financially driven to be specialized on strategic investments. With the additional expertise, that Executive Interim Management bring, Private Equity firms can better assess markets and create value. Interims play a pivotal role throughout the investment cycle—from transaction assessment and due diligence to post-deal stabilization and successful exits. Investment in Expertise Interim management is a strategic investment, not just a cost. Professional Interim Managers provide significant value during the preliminary study and implementation phases, as well as during a transformation. They are integrated into the organization, unlike external consultants, and take operational control while retaining crucial knowledge within the business. Ensuring Stability and unbiased leadership Professional Interim Managers bring tested expertise, structure, and clear communication. They embed stability during change, planning for smooth transitions to permanent leadership. Interim Managers can make tough decisions without emotional attachments. Their primary focus is delivering successful outcomes, which builds their reputation and future employment prospects. Flexible Leadership Solutions Executive Interim Managers allow organizations to define and refine leadership roles without committing long-term. As they help onboard permanent managers, they provide continuity and stability during transitions. Executive Interim Managers play a critical role in the Private Equity landscape, offering strategic expertise and operational leadership during pivotal transitions. They enable portfolio companies to navigate complex changes, enhance organizational capabilities, and achieve alignment with shareholder goals. As the Private Equity sector continues to evolve towards strategic investment, the value brought by these interim professionals becomes increasingly indispensable. Investing in Executive Interim Management is not merely a cost but a strategic move that drives growth, stability, and long-term success.   #interimmanagement #privateequity #bestadvice

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To effectively implement these strategies: Evaluate which areas hold the most potential for cash flow improvement based on your specific business context. Bring together departmenal heads to discuss and brainstorm action plans. Prioritize initiatives based on potential impact and feasibility. Track the results of implemented strategies, analyze performance, and make necessary adjustments. Your next move involves deciding which of these strategies aligns best with your company's current situation and long-term goals. Begin with a detailed cash flow analysis to identify the areas with the highest impact potential. Then, create a strategic plan involving the relevant departments and set measurable targets. Regular follow-up meetings to assess progress and make adjustments will ensure continuous improvement in your cash flow management. As the CFO, leading these efforts with a clear vision and effective execution will ensure your organization's financial health and success.

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The level of funk depends on the investment approach PE firms have taken in the last few years doesn't it Allison and Layan. Conservative portfolio managers, less popular among LPs during the goldilocks years, will have more buffer now that the environment is more challenging. PE firms which have been aggressively banking on easy growth, multiple expansion and leverage, the goldilocks heroes, will face more difficulties than those who are used to doing the hard yards helping to improve the operational performance of their portfolio companies. https://lnkd.in/dwka7P_D

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Smart CFOs dont dismiss bold moves. ↳ Would you support high risk investments ↳ Do you approve ambitious CAPEX projects ↳ Will you push for M&A deals in emerging markets ↳ Can you advocate tech upgrades with upfront cost They will never do one thing. They will never say NO to these without weighing. They assess - every angle - calculate risks and - explore potential returns. They look beyond the immediate costs to see the bigger picture. They make tough, calculated decisions that positions the business for the future.

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🚀 CEOs Personas in Private Equity: Which One Are You? 🤠👨‍✈️ In private equity, CEOs take on many roles (sometimes even a cowboy’s hat).😁 Here are two standout profiles we look for when selecting leaders for our portfolio companies. As Inesa puts it: ➡️ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗽𝗶𝘁 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘁 – calm under pressure, navigates complex decisions precisely, and ensures a smooth landing, no matter the turbulence. ✈️ ➡️ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 – this cowboy captures opportunities, maximizes value, and delivers results with limited resources. 🐴 🏜️ Which one resonates with you – Pilot or Cowboy? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for more profiles to be revealed! 🦸✨

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