Investing News
Four Pillars news and perspectives on markets, businesses and the economy.
Breaking Down the Four Pillars Business Growth Framework
This isn't about the latest growth hack or how to use ChatGPT; rather, it’s based on real-world experience in growing businesses.
Understanding the Differences Between SMB M&A and Lower Middle Market Private Equity
Private equity and M&A come with their own set of abbreviations and terminologies that can be confusing. Let’s demystify these terms and provide a clear understanding of the various types of transactions in private equity.
The Power of Strategic Planning in Business: Lessons from Southwest Airlines & More
Dlve into the essence of strategy, drawing insights from Michael Porter's seminal work, "What is Strategy," and using Southwest Airlines as a case study to illustrate key concepts.
Private Equity and ESG: Sustainable Investments in North America
For decades, private equity has focused on maximizing shareholder returns. However, a new wave of socially conscious investors is demanding a shift towards Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations.
The Evolution of Private Equity and What Comes Next
Private equity has come a long way from its beginnings. Once a niche market for the privileged few, it has transformed into a mainstream asset class attracting a wider range of investors.
3 Successful Private Equity Deals We Closed (And How We Did It)
Successes are great, but sometimes it’s the deals that don’t lose that can teach us the most.
The Psychology of Money
Private equity offers the allure of high returns, but it's a complex world where financial smarts meet emotional fortitude. Understanding the psychology of money becomes crucial for navigating this asset class.
Subway's Meteoric Rise and the Untold Story of How it Dethroned McDonald's
How did Subway grow from selling about 300 sandwiches per day to almost 10 million today?
Evaluating Business Valuations: Key Metrics for Investors
In the fast-paced world of investing, where opportunities can emerge and disappear in the blink of an eye, making informed decisions is paramount.
Exit Strategies for Small Business Owners: Making a Graceful Transition
Building a successful small business is an achievement to be proud of. But for many entrepreneurs, there comes a time to consider an exit strategy.
Private Equity and Technology: Riding the Wave of Innovation
The world of technology is constantly evolving, and private equity (PE) firms are increasingly recognizing the immense potential this sector holds.
Building a Strong Succession Plan: Identifying and Developing Future Leaders
Every organization, regardless of size or industry, needs a plan for the future. A strong succession plan ensures a smooth transition of leadership roles when key employees retire, resign, or move on.
Making Sense of the Latest Investment Strategies in Private Equity
The traditional investment landscape often conjures images of stocks and bonds, neatly traded on bustling exchanges. Yet, beyond this familiar terrain lies a realm of immense potential and dynamic strategies: the world of private equity (PE).
Demystifying Investing in Alternatives
At times when the stock and bond markets are increasingly volatile, investor interest often turns to so-called alternative investments. These assets – like hedge funds, private equity, real estate, collectibles, cryptocurrencies and more, can provide diversification and potentially higher returns than traditional holdings. However, they each come with their own risk-reward profile.
Managing Risk in Private Equity: Best Practices for Investors
The allure of private equity is undeniable. The potential for high returns, coupled with the ability to access exclusive investment opportunities, attracts investors seeking to diversify their portfolios and outperform traditional asset classes.
Small Business Succession Planning: Step by Step
Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, accounting for the vast majority of economic growth as well as creating many of the jobs that drive the economy forward. But they also face unique challenges.
The Role of Private Equity in Fueling Growth for Healthcare
Private equity (PE) has become a dominant force in the healthcare field in recent years, pouring billions of dollars into hospitals, physician practices, and research companies.
Balancing Risk and Reward in Private Equity
Private equity offers the potential for high returns, attracting investors seeking to outperform traditional asset classes. However, this potential comes with inherent risks that require careful consideration.
The Art of Due Diligence in Private Equity
In the high-stakes world of private equity, fortune favors those who are thorough and pay attention to the details. While intuition and a keen eye for potential hold merit, it is meticulous due diligence that separates the dealmakers from the dreamers.
Passing the Torch While Preserving Your Legacy
For many small business owners, the day of reckoning arrives not with retirement brochures, but with a bittersweet question: who will carry the torch when you ultimately reach out to put it down? It's a delicate dance, this act of transitioning leadership to the next generation.
The Four Pillars Playbook