NSW Chapter | Private equity through the cycle: Investment, value creation and exit

Date: Tuesday 17 November
Time: 12:15pm - 1:30pm
Venue: BDO Sydney 

As private equity firms navigate changing economic uncertainty, higher capital costs and continued competition for quality assets, the focus is increasingly on where and how to deploy capital, create value within portfolio companies and position investments for a successful exit.

Timed to follow the anticipated release of BDO Australia’s 2026 Private Equity Industry Survey, this lunchtime panel will bring together private equity and M&A professionals to explore the current investment environment and the priorities shaping activity across the PE lifecycle.

The discussion will consider how firms are approaching M&A diligence and execution, including day-one readiness, talent integration and establishing clear value creation plans early. Panellists will also explore the role of active ownership in supporting portfolio company performance, including the growing application of AI, and why building a compelling equity story and demonstrating performance well ahead of exit are becoming increasingly important.

Drawing on the Survey’s insights and the practical experience of our panellists, the session will provide a current perspective on how private equity firms are deploying capital and creating value in today’s market.

Attendees will gain insights into:

• Capital deployment: How economic and market conditions are influencing PE investment activity, asset selection, and decision-making.
• M&A diligence and execution: How broader diligence, day-one readiness, talent integration, and early identification of value creation levers can improve investment outcomes.
• Active ownership: How greater fund involvement, operational support and the effective adoption of AI can contribute to portfolio company performance.
• Exit readiness: Why a compelling equity story must be built well before an exit process begins and supported by clear evidence that the investment thesis and value creation plan have been delivered.

Panellists:

• Raoul Cernaz, Director, Deal Advisory at BDO
• Cristín McCoy, Partner, M&A and Private Equity at Hamilton Locke
• Justin England, Managing Director at Five V Capital 

Hosted by: Deen Rad, CFA, Senior Manager, Deal Advisory at BDO

Cost: 

• $15 for CFA Society Australia members
• $20 for CFA Program candidates 
• $30 for non-members / investment professionals

Interested in membership? Explore membership options here.