Deal by Deal: A Private Equity Podcast

Hosted by McGuireWoods

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Jan 2026

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Welcome to Deal-by-Deal, a Podcast by McGuireWoods. Deal-by-Deal invites you to conversations with experienced independent sponsors and other private equity professionals. Join McGuireWoods partners Greg Hawver and Jeff Brooker as they explore middle-market Private Equity M&A to provide you with timely insights and relevant takeaways. McGuireWoods is a full-service firm providing legal and public affairs solutions to corporate, individual, and nonprofit clients worldwide for more than 200 years collectively. Our commitment to excellence in everything we do gives our clients a competitive edge in everything they do. Our law firm, over its 186-year history, has earned the loyalty of our many long-standing clients with a deep understanding of their businesses, and broad skills in corporate transactions, high-stakes disputes, and complex regulatory and compliance matters. To learn more about McGuireWoods or to contact us, please visit our website at mcguirewoods.com. This podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

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39 recent

January 14, 202617 min

Practical Guidance for Private Equity Investors in the First 100 Days Post-Acquisition

The deal closes, the M&A lawyers step away, and the real work begins. That’s when recently acquired companies turn to e2E to professionalize their finance and HR functions. In this conversation with host Greg Hawver, e2E founder and CEO Nancy McCullough pulls back the curtain on the first 100 days after acquisition. From “opportunities” that e2E often finds when it walks in the door to recommended tools that drive efficiency, Nancy reflects on 13 years at the helm. With e2E itself acquired just one year ago, she also provides the perspective of an entrepreneur’s “journey to enterprise.” “It was fun going through due diligence, having done that many times for other companies,” she says.Connect and Learn More☑️ Nancy McCullough | LinkedIn☑️ e2E | LinkedIn☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram |  X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

November 20, 202532 min

Debt Financing from LOI to Close: An Expert's Guide

When’s the best time to engage a debt advisor? “Earlier is better,” says Parm Atwal, managing director at Configure Partners, a credit-oriented investment bank. In this conversation with host Greg Hawver, Parm breaks down the life cycle of debt financing based on a hypothetical independent sponsor or private equity fund under LOI with a manufacturing company. Tune in as he shares how Configure strategizes with its clients and what his “crystal ball” reveals about the market landscape. Connect and Learn More☑️ Parm Atwal | LinkedIn☑️ Configure Partners | LinkedIn☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram |  X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

September 24, 202530 min

Trends in Executive Comp for Private Equity Portfolio Companies – with Andrew Skowronski

The scenario is this: an independent sponsor is acquiring a manufacturing company for $50 million. Andrew Skowronski, an executive compensation partner at McGuireWoods, outlines the lifecycle of this hypothetical transaction with host Greg Hawver. Guided by assumptions such as a meaningful rollover and a CEO that the buyer likes, Andrew covers practical negotiation strategies, structural considerations between C-corps and LLCs, and emerging trends in severance arrangements that scale with tenure. Connect and Learn More☑️ Andrew Skowronski | LinkedIn☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram |  X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

August 20, 202527 min

The Ninth Wonder: Multiple Re-Rating Through Tech Transformation

If compound interest is the Eighth Wonder of the World (according to Warren Buffet), then multiple re-rating is the Ninth, according to the folks at Altaline Capital Management. Rafael Telahun, managing director of the private equity firm’s technology sector, breaks down how Altaline helps service companies transform themselves into technology-enabled assets, capturing multiple re-rating along the way. In this conversation with hosts Trey Andrews and Jason Griffith, Rafael describes the right targets for transformation: vertical-focused businesses that can transition from transactional to subscription models. Tune in for his insights about how he guides clients, from changing the way they do business to recognizing the implementation costs of transformation.Connect and Learn More☑️ Rafael Telahun | LinkedIn☑️ Altaline Capital Management | | LinkedIn | X | Instagram☑️ Jason Griffith | LinkedIn☑️ Trey Andrews | LinkedIn☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram |  X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

May 29, 202524 min

Trends in the Deal-by-Deal Ecosystem

Eight years after Ariez Dustoor and his partner launched the investment firm NB Group, Ariez has observed a growing sophistication among independent sponsors. With host Greg Hawver, Ariez discusses why the independent sponsor model offers superior flexibility and opportunity in the ever-changing M&A landscape, including some observations on future use cases for AI applications for market research.Connect and Learn More☑️ Ariez Dustoor | LinkedIn☑️ NB Group | LinkedIn☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram |  X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

April 15, 202528 min

Unlocking Value with Real Estate in M&A Transactions

"When you're doing a sale leaseback transaction, you're not really selling the bricks and the sticks. You're selling a cashflow stream that's backed by a good company," explains Luke Timmis of Signature Associates in this discussion with host Greg Hawver and his McGuireWoods’ colleague Phil Coover. Luke shares how sale leasebacks typically generate a 25-50% premium above appraised property value—unlocking significant capital for private equity firms. The panelists explore lease structures, term lengths, and creative solutions like substitution clauses that allow businesses to relocate while maintaining investor relationships.Connect and Learn More☑️ Luke Timmis | LinkedIn☑️ Signature Associates | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | TikTok☑️ Phil Coover | LinkedIn☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

March 14, 202531 min

Deal-Hunting During Mixed Economic Signals: Expert Insights

“In terms of the big three numbers – employment, inflation, and GDP growth – our baseline forecast is optimistic,” says Matt Wolf of RSM in this economic outlook discussion with host Greg Hawver. Matt points to a 4.2% unemployment rate, two-and-a-half point inflation, and 2.5% GDP growth. But he also observes that the uncertainty of tariffs is creating “paralysis” among operators and some investors. “There's just too many variables right now to try to game out any sort of meaningful investment,” he suggests.Connect and Learn More☑️ Matt Wolf | LinkedIn☑️ RSM | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram |  X |  YouTube☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram |  X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

February 11, 202530 min

Scaling a Buy-and-Build Platform

Host Greg Hawver interviews Chris Larson of Monroe Capital and Jeff Magny of Lincoln Road Global Management about their buy-and-build strategy in the commercial landscaping industry. Chris and Jeff describe how they work together to finance and execute these acquisitions, the key attributes they look for in a successful buy-and-build strategy, and their outlook for the independent sponsor market in the coming years.Connect and Learn More☑️ Chris Larson | LinkedIn☑️ Monroe Capital | LinkedIn | X☑️ Jeff Magny | LinkedIn☑️ Lincoln Road Global Management | LinkedIn☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

January 14, 202527 min

Guiding Independent Sponsors on Carry Structures and Catch-Ups, with Grant Kornman

Grant Kornman, a partner at Align Collaborate, joins hosts Jeff Brooker and Jason Griffith for a primer on tiered carry structures and catch-ups in the private equity market. Grant shares insights about negotiating economics and governance terms, emphasizing the importance of aligning incentives and being a good steward of capital. He highlights the significance of valuations in determining hurdles and sharing percentages, as well as the need for sponsors to collaborate with investors for successful partnerships.Connect and Learn More☑️ Grant Kornman | LinkedIn☑️ Align Collaborate | LinkedIn☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram |  X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

December 12, 202427 min

Solving a Distressed Business’s Balance Sheet Problems with Robert Orr and Mark Freedlander

Host Greg Hawver welcomes his McGuireWoods colleague Mark Freedlander, head of the firm’s Restructuring & Insolvency Practice Group, and Robert Orr, principal at Sandton Capital Partners, to discuss their recent restructuring of a distressed healthcare business. The team took out the existing senior secured lender and allowed an out-of-court restructuring of the business and its capital structure. As Robert explains, they recognized that the company faced challenges – including unsustainable debt – but also that it had a “reason to exist.” “We just needed to solve the balance sheet problems,” he says.Connect and Learn More☑️ Robert Orr I LinkedIn☑️ Sandton Capital Partners I LinkedIn☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram |  X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.