Pricing and value creation in private equity-backed buy-and-build strategies

Hammer, Benjamin and Marcotty-Dehm, Nikolaus and Schweizer, Denis and Schwetzler, Bernhard (2022) Pricing and value creation in private equity-backed buy-and-build strategies. Journal of Corporate Finance, 77: 102285. ISSN 0929-1199

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Abstract

We investigate the pricing and value creation in private equity-backed buy-and-build (B&B) strategies using a sample of 3399 buyouts between 1997 and 2020 as well as proprietary performance data. We find that private equity firms pay sizable premiums for B&B platforms. The transaction multiples are similar to those paid by strategic acquirers for matched targets. Despite paying high premiums, private equity firms generate above-average equity returns in B&B strategies. This is because of both higher top-line growth and multiple expansion. To back up our empirical results and shed light on decision-making in B&B strategies, we present evidence from the field. Survey results from 32 interviews with private equity managers provide novel insights into B&B rationale, valuation practices, pricing, value creation, acquisition processes and execution.