Short answer: private equity firms are holding portfolio companies longer, about six years at the median, so finance teams need to plan for a longer runway: refresh the value creation plan, manage debt and cash for a longer horizon, keep management incentives working, and stay ready for an exit that could come through a sale, a recapitalization or a continuation fund.
What is happening
An analysis by PrivateEquityInfo of more than 13,000 exits found the median private equity holding period reached about 6.0 years, roughly a year longer than in 2021. Many companies bought in 2020 to 2022 have not yet sold at acceptable valuations, and sponsors are increasingly using continuation funds and other structures to return capital without a traditional sale.
What longer holds mean for the CFO
- The original plan has run its course. The investment thesis was often built for a three- to five-year hold. The next phase of value creation needs to be defined.
- Debt and cash need a longer view. Maturities, covenants and interest costs matter more when the exit is further away.
- Incentives may be out of the money. Management equity built for an earlier exit may need to be reset to keep the team motivated.
- Reporting expectations rise. Sponsors under pressure from their own investors want sharper, faster reporting on progress.
- Exit readiness becomes continuous. The company should be able to move quickly when a window opens.
Five priorities for portfolio finance teams
- Re-underwrite the value creation plan with the sponsor: which levers remain, and what will they deliver?
- Build a multi-year model covering debt maturities, refinancing options and cash needs.
- Tighten the monthly reporting package around the KPIs that drive valuation.
- Review working capital and cost structure for cash that can fund growth or pay down debt.
- Maintain a current data room and quality-of-earnings-ready financials.
Frequently asked questions
Why are holding periods getting longer?
Mainly because of a gap between what buyers will pay and what sellers will accept, combined with higher financing costs that make it harder for buyers to pay prior-cycle prices.
Is a longer hold bad for management teams?
Not necessarily. It can give the team time to build more value, as long as the plan, capital structure and incentives are updated for the new timeline.
How can a fractional CFO help a portfolio company?
By strengthening reporting, forecasting, cash management and exit readiness, often at a lower cost than adding full-time headcount, and by providing an experienced partner to the CEO and sponsor.
See how we support board and investor reporting, or talk with our CFO team.