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The Hidden Mistakes Killing PE Value (And How to Fix Them)

In this episode of the Rural Selection Private Equity Podcast, CFO Paul Brennan shares hard‑won lessons from steering a $250 M manufacturing business through a successful PE‑backed exit. He highlights two hidden mistakes that erode value: (1) private‑equity firms failing to clearly explain how their requests drive equity value, leaving management “deer‑in‑headlights,” and (2) neglecting quarterly exit‑readiness prep, which makes the final sale process a marathon. Brennan also points out what works well—top‑tier finance talent and robust FP&A tools that turn operators into business managers—illustrating how a disciplined data strategy and early integration committees can unlock growth, as seen in the Dutchland acquisition.