Private Equity

As value creation models shift, private equity leaders rely on EFESO to drive execution-led transformation and long-term impact.

Striking the Balance between Exit-Readiness and Long-Term Growth

Private equity firms face growing operational complexity as portfolio companies require accelerated value creation within shorter holding periods. As financial engineering yields fewer returns, operational improvements, which require an entirely different set of capabilities, now drive approximately 70% of investment returns. Deal teams need to validate investment theses precisely, while post-acquisition teams execute transformations across diverse markets and regulations.

Maintaining exit-readiness while implementing operational restructuring is challenging. Portfolio companies need to optimize working capital for immediate returns as they invest in digital infrastructure, capturing quick wins while building a sustainable competitive advantage. Inventory optimization can reduce working capital by 5% and 20%, but these gains require systematic changes.

Many private equity opportunities derive from carve-outs of industrial groups, which create their own challenges in terms of optimizing the existing and new entities as stand-alone companies.

Success comes from an integrated approach that delivers rapid financial improvements and enduring operational capabilities across the portfolio.

Real Results Achieved with our Clients

For over three decades, EFESO has collaborated with private equity firms through more than 1,000 operational due diligence and value creation programs. Among the concrete results delivered:

€3B

In Measurable improvements

7.5%-15%

EBITDA improvement achieved

+1K

Supplier negotiations in different M&A projects

A Tailored and Pragmatic Approach that Fits your Reality

Private equity portfolios require rapid value creation under intense pressure. EFESO works with you across the entire investment lifecycle—from operational diligence (ODD), the first 100-day detailed analysis, and value creation execution, through to vendor due diligence (VDD), optimized carve-out and stand-up, and exit readiness.

Our specialists collaborate closely with portfolio company teams and management, transforming operational potential into concrete performance gains that strengthen investments and maximize returns. By connecting boardroom strategies with shop floor execution, we convert operational potential into measurable EBITDA gains, while building lasting capabilities through tangible improvements.

The result: portfolio companies emerge stronger, more valuable, and fully prepared for their next chapter—with operational excellence embedded in their daily practices.

Meet our Private Equity Leader

Andreas Doerken

Managing Partner & CEO USA

Start the conversation

Our Services to Support your Transformation

Explore how our actionable, high-impact and tailored service offerings help you succeed

Cost and Value Engineering

Rising costs demand optimization from design through production. We apply cross-functional value engineering, zero-based redesign, and continuous cost tracking to protect margins.

Digital & AI

Digital investments fail to deliver operational impact. We translate technology into performance gains through practical AI deployment, data-driven decision systems, and frontline digital tools.

Lean Lab

Volatile workloads create productivity troughs and lead-time peaks. We stabilize lab operations through capacity modeling, dynamic resource allocation, and lean process optimization.

Manufacturing

Aging equipment meets rising costs and technology disruption. We transform operations through smart factory integration, predictive maintenance, and workforce capability building.

People and Organization

Together, we’ll develop performance-driven behaviors that turn intention into action—mobilizing teams, accelerating adoption, and sustaining results.

Procurement

Material costs and supplier volatility threaten profitability. We unlock savings through strategic sourcing, supplier collaboration, and digital procurement transformation.

R&D and Product Profitability

Markets demand profitable innovation faster than ever. We optimize the entire product lifecycle through design-to-cost, rapid prototyping, and portfolio profitability management.

Supply Chain

Supplier complexity obscures 70% of your value creation. We strengthen networks through supplier development programs, risk mitigation strategies, and collaborative innovation platforms.

Sustainability

ESG pledges require embedded operational transformation. We deliver measurable impact through circular economy practices, carbon reduction programs, and sustainable value chain redesign.

Transactions and Turnaround

High-stakes situations demand rapid, decisive action. We stabilize and transform through operational diagnostics, cash flow optimization, and sustainable restructuring programs.

Private Equity Client Results

Explore Business cases & Client Results

Automotive and Commercial Vehicles

Private Equity

Automotive Supplier Doubles Scale Through Strategic M&A Integration

Industrial machinery manufacturer faced complexity in custom equipment production. We implemented modular design principles, standardized components, and optimized project management, reducing lead times by 40%.

Industrial Manufacturing

Private Equity

Comprehensive Value Creation in Window Manufacturing Across Multiple Investment Cycles

Window manufacturer required operational turnaround amid market pressures. We restructured production, implemented lean manufacturing, and optimized supply chain, reducing costs by 30%.

Food & Beverage

Private Equity

A Comprehensive Operational Analysis to Maximize Exit Value

Food ingredients supplier required rapid turnaround after quality issues. We stabilized operations, rebuilt quality systems, and restored customer confidence, returning to full production within 6 months.

The EFESO Touch

EFESO stands apart with deep-rooted expertise in private equity value creation, built on more than 30 years of hands-on operational experience and a global track record of delivering measurable results across industries.

We support the entire deal lifecycle, from pre-deal operational due diligence to post-deal transformation and exit. We address and optimize carve-outs, standup, and merger integration operations. Over 70% of our work is implementation-based, ensuring that insights identified during diligence translate into results on the ground. With 1,000+ operational due diligences and transformation programs completed, we bring unmatched pattern recognition across sectors, investment theses, and operating models.

Our global-local delivery model includes 1,000+ consultants across 30+ offices, with active presence on the shop floor in more than 75 countries—enabling fast, consistent, and scalable deployment.

Specialized industry teams deliver expertise across key value creation levers such as footprint optimization, procurement, working capital, and M&A integration. Supported by proprietary tools including the Solvace® platform and extensive industry benchmarks, EFESO enables private equity clients to build exit-ready businesses through execution-first transformation.