Investing News
Four Pillars news and perspectives on markets, businesses and the economy.
Investing in Small Businesses: A Path to the American Dream
The American Dream is built on threads of self-reliance, opportunity, and the potential for boundless success. While traditional pathways exist, an increasingly alluring approach for enterprising individuals lies in the vibrant world of small business investing.
Mastering Personal Finance: Lessons from Private Equity
Mastering personal finance is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate your achievements, whether it's paying off a credit card or reaching a savings goal. These small victories fuel your motivation and keep you moving forward.
The Four Pillars Approach to Private Equity: Is it Unique?
In the diverse landscape of private equity, the "Four Pillars Approach" stands out. While traditional firms focus on geographical niches, industry specialization, or unique deal structures, Four Pillars leans on a different set of support beams: strong management teams, flexible financing, operational expertise, and long-term investment horizons.
What to Expect for the Lower Middle Market in 2024
As we look ahead this year, there remain plenty of unknowns. At this point, a so-called “soft landing” from the recent inflationary period is not only possible but likely, though we still don’t know for sure what the next 12 months will bring.
How Private Equity Works with the Manufacturing Sector
How is the rising prevalence of private equity in manufacturing altering the landscape of the industry? Let’s take a look at how private equity works when applied to the unique characteristics of the manufacturing sector.
The Essential Guide to Small Business Succession Planning: A Step-by-Step Approach
Succession planning isa crucial yet often neglected aspect of business ownership that ensures a smooth transition and protects your legacy.
Exploring the Opportunities for Private Equity in Real Estate
The world of real estate has long been a magnet for investors seeking stable returns and tangible assets. But in recent years, private equity (PE) has emerged as a dominant force, transforming the landscape with its blend of capital, expertise, and strategic vision.
The Art (and Science) of Selling a Business: Strategies for Maximizing Value
For many entrepreneurs, the dream is not just to build a successful business, but to eventually exit on their own terms, reaping the rewards of years of sweat and dedication. Yet transitioning from owner-operator to financial beneficiary is no small feat.
Want to Sell Your Business but Stay on After? Here’s What to Know
Staying on after selling your business? Here’s how to determine your role in the business after you sell and enter an employment agreement with the buyer.
How To Increase The Value Of Your Business: Your Readiness Guide
As a business owner exploring your exit strategy, the main question on your mind is: what is my business worth?
4 Critical Questions to Ask Yourself Before Selling Your Business
The second bite of the apple is sometimes better than the first — particularly for entrepreneurs whose initial “bite” was building a business, selling at least part of the company, and savoring the reward.
What to Expect When Selling Your Business
There are a lot of decisions and steps involved in selling your business, both on a logistical and emotional spectrum.
Is Four Pillars The Right Fit For Your Company?
When it comes to selling your business, there are a lot of factors that go into making this a successful decision beyond your company valuation.
Here’s Why Servant Leadership Is One of Our Founding Pillars
Companies with servant leaders make great investments. Here’s what servant leadership in the company culture means to us and how leaders can foster one.
Business Success Is Built on Relationships: Why We Rely on Mutual Trust
Building strong business relationships is a core value at Four Pillars. Here are the 2 indicators of a business culture consistent with relationship-building.
What ‘Shooting For The Stars’ Actually Means for Business Growth And Sustainability
“Shooting for the stars” isn’t just about rapid growth – it’s building an environment that finds unique ways to set achieve your goals.
Want to Increase Your Business Value? Adopt a Servant Leadership Mentality
Servant leadership is one of the four pillars that our business is founded on, and it can bring greater value to your business too.
Investing with an Independent Sponsor
Independent sponsors offer a variety of different benefits than traditional PE firms. Is an independent sponsor right for you?
Valuing a Company? Don’t Stop at EBITDA
EBITDA and other hard metrics shouldn't be the only factor when deciding on an acquisition. Here's how we evaluate the true value of potential partners.
The Four Pillars Playbook