Lauren Leichtman
Showing 1–3 of 3 transcripts.
- Milken Institute59 min
Mid-Market Private Equity (updated)
Lauren Leichtman, Brian Reynolds, Ted Virtue, Barry Volpert, Kneeland Youngblood, Adam Sokoloff
Industry leaders including Lauren Leichman, Ted Virtue, and Barry Volpert convened to analyze the current middle-market landscape, highlighting a surge in refinancing activity and secondary buyouts driven by abundant capital and favorable credit conditions. While mega-funds compete on lower IRR mandates, mid-market firms leverage operational expertise and lower leverage to target distinct valuation gaps, particularly in the $200 million to $1 billion enterprise value range. The panel concluded that despite LP demands for concentration and compliance, the sector is poised for sustained growth through strategic carve-outs, cross-border expansion, and a predicted "harvesting wave" of exits over the next five years.
- Milken Institute1h 2m
Leaning In or Pushed Out: Where Are the Senior Women in Business?
Richard Ditizio, Margery Kraus, Sallie Krawcheck, Lauren Leichtman, Liz Claman, Marjorie Kraus, Michelle Kidley, Jeff, Manjuka Nariwala
Despite women comprising over half of college graduates, their representation in senior financial leadership remains stagnant at roughly 16%, a regression driven by systemic biases like the "intellectual honesty" trap and the double-bind of perceived aggression. Panelists highlighted that while diverse management teams generate over 30% higher returns, institutional inertia persists due to regressive maternity policies and a flexibility paradox that sidelines working mothers. To address this, experts recommend leveraging investor pressure through shareholder voting, utilizing regulatory CAMEL ratings to penalize homogenous boards, and fostering mandatory male inclusion to dismantle the status quo.
- Milken Institute1h 1m
Mid-Market Private Equity
Lauren Leichtman, Brian Reynolds, Ted Virtue, Barry Volpert, Kneeland Youngblood, Adam Sokoloff, Nealon Youngblood
Representatives from major private equity firms including Levine Leichman, Chatham Capital, MidOcean Partners, Crestview Partners, and Ferros Capital convened to analyze the evolving middle-market landscape, defining target valuations between $25M and $2.4B enterprise value while highlighting a surge in refinancing activity driven by robust capital markets. The panelists identified significant competitive pressures from mega-funds capable of paying higher multiples, prompting mid-market strategies that leverage operational expertise, extended hold periods, and strategic co-investments to secure net IRRs of 18% to 20%. Despite a market shakeout driven by Limited Partner demands for higher returns and larger commitments, the industry outlook remains positive as firms anticipate continued consolidation and sustained demand for lower-multiple, value-creating acquisitions.