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As the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt throughout the global economy, it is becoming evident that liquidity will once again be a critical component of success for private equity fund managers. During and immediately following the Global Financial Crisis (“GFC”) we observed that the difference between the success and failure of a private equity fund was frequently a function of whether the fund had ample liquidity to enable it to deploy capital both defensively and offensively to support its portfolio companies. In our analysis and observations, we saw that many of the funds that were most impacted were those that were fully invested entering the GFC and, as a result, unable to inject equity into their portfolio companies to cure breaches of debt covenants resulting from declines in revenue and EBITDA. Conversely, many funds that were only partially invested or had generous recycling provisions, not only had the capital to play defense with their existing portfolio companies, but were also able to make accretive add-on acquisitions to enable their companies to take market share and expand their footprints into new geographies.
In the current environment, we are seeing private equity funds take aggressive action to ensure ample liquidity to both protect and enhance value. In addition to enacting a variety of portfolio company-specific measures, such as cost-cutting and drawing down on revolving lines of credit from lenders, General Partners (“GPs”) have started approaching their Limited Partners (“LPs”) with a series of proposed amendments designed to provide funds with added flexibility to deploy capital.
These amendments include proposals for a number of solutions, including:
Often, funds are only permitted to recycle certain types of distributions, such as returns of capital, during a particular timeframe (most commonly, the investment period). Funds are now seeking greater flexibility to recycle different types of distributions, including gains, income and dividends, and to loosen limitations on the amount of recycled capital that can be put to work (one common example we see is that aggregate capital deployed cannot exceed 120% of commitments).
Often, funds are only permitted to recycle certain types of distributions, such as returns of capital, during a particular timeframe (most commonly, the investment period). Funds are
Add-on acquisitions and defensive equity cures may conflict with geographic or other concentration limitations contained in a fund’s governing documents (e.g., 20% cap on non-U.S. investments).
Some funds have limits on the amount of debt versus equity that can be acquired (e.g., 10% cap on debt purchases for an equity buyout fund). Other firms with multiple strategies may have conflict provisions that preclude both their debt and equity funds from acquiring portfolio company debt, thereby limiting the equity fund’s ability to buy mispriced debt.
A number of relatively new structured solutions have appeared, including those in which debt or preferred equity is added at the fund level rather than at the portfolio company level. In these types of transactions, the entire fund serves as collateral for the security, not just the individual portfolio company; as a result, these types of transactions can be less costly than a debt or preferred equity solution for a single portfolio company.A number of relatively new structured solutions have appeared, including those in which debt or preferred equity is added at the fund level rather than at the portfolio company level. In these types of transactions, the entire fund serves as collateral for the security, not just the individual portfolio company; as a result, these types of transactions can be less costly than a debt or preferred equity solution for a single portfolio company.
In order to most effectively evaluate the proposals from GPs seeking increased flexibility in the current market environment, we believe that it is critical to have a well-developed framework in place. While the decision to approve or reject one of these requests is ultimately one that requires an evaluation of all of the relevant facts and circumstances, there are a number of elements that we consider as part of our assessment:
Historical Performance. What is the GP’s track record? A strong historical track record is often a testament to a GP’s ability to successfully navigate complex situations by making sound operating and investment decisions.
Performance in Periods of Turmoil. Putting more capital to work with a cycle-tested manager helps potentially mitigate the risk of putting money into investments that may not have a high likelihood of future profitability.
Continued Support of Manager. Is this a manager that merits continued to support? Passing on an amendment may have negative implications on an investor’s ongoing relationship with a GP. Ultimately, passing on an amendment may be the right decision, but before making such a decision, it is important to consider the full picture and make a balanced decision.
Implications of Proposal. Examining the proposed recycling amount relative to both NAV and original commitments is recommended, as it provides an indication of the significance of the additional capital deployment. Additionally, if the amendment is not approved, will the potential write-downs/write-offs result in meaningful impairment to the overall value of the fund? In certain situations, the potential to generate incremental value from the recycling may be outweighed by the risk of investing additional capital.
Intended Use of Recycling Proceeds. Does the proposal put more of the fund at risk by “throwing good money after bad?” Not all companies will succeed in these difficult times and, as a result, it may be advisable to ask the GP for a detailed plan specifying which portfolio companies will receive additional capital and how they plan to make use of such capital. That said, too many restrictions placed on a GP may in turn hinder the GP’s ability to be nimble in this environment.
Playing Offense, Defense, or Both. Does the GP intend to use additional capital purely to cure breaches of debt covenants, or will the capital be used to make add-on acquisitions at attractive prices? Given the fluidity of the current situation, many GPs are looking to do both, but understanding a GP’s strategy will help evaluate the potential implications of the incremental capital on the fund’s performance and/or tenure.
Current Performance Relative to Preferred Return Hurdle. How close is the GP to achieving carried interest in a fund? Does the proposal give the GP a “free option” to earn carry in an underperforming fund by recycling prior distributions into troubled companies that have a low probability of success, but potentially large upside potential? Essentially, it is important to ascertain whether a GP is risking carried interest or trying to achieve it.
Charging Fees on Incremental Capital. Will the GP earn management fees on the additional recycled capital? If so, what is the magnitude of the fee-earning recycled capital? It is important to look at the full picture, considering the fund’s stage of life as well as other potential sources of management fees, such as successor funds.
Conflict Mitigation. Do the provisions of the amendment adequately ensure the continued alignment of interest between LPs and the GP? Additionally, it is prudent to examine the GP’s other funds and verticals to ensure that conflicts are appropriately addressed. For example, will there be limitations on a debt fund’s ability to invest in the equity fund’s portfolio company debt?
The current pandemic environment’s effect on valuations and liquidity is undoubtedly a top-of-mind consideration for most, if not all, private equity investors. It is important, however, not to lose sight of the indirect impact that the current market has had on other less obvious areas, including the need to amend certain fund terms in order to provide the right GPs with increased liquidity and the ability to be opportunistic in this unprecedented environment.
While it can be daunting for investors to evaluate the recent deluge of fund amendments in the required turnaround times (which are often quite short), leveraging partners like GCM Grosvenor that have the resources and depth of experience necessary to fully assess these types of amendments can prove to be quite beneficial. As always, we welcome the opportunity to partner with other LPs and encourage you to reach out to us with any questions or requests for further discussion on this very timely subject.
CHICAGO, Jan. 26, 2023 — GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG), a leading global alternative asset management solutions provider, today announced that the GCM Grosvenor Secondary Opportunities Fund III, L.P. (“GSF III”)
We address some of our clients’ most-often asked questions regarding buyout transactions and whether or not co-investing is the right approach given the current market environment.
Important Disclosures
For illustrative and discussion purposes only. The information contained herein is based on information received from third-parties. GCM Grosvenor has not independently verified third-party information and makes no representation or warranty as to its accuracy or completeness. The information and opinions expressed are as of the date set forth therein and may not be updated to reflect new information.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. No assurance can be given that any investment will achieve its objectives or avoid losses. Investments in alternatives are speculative and involve substantial risk, including strategy risks, manager risks, market risks, and structural/operational risks, and may result in the possible loss of your entire investment. The views expressed are for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a forecast, a guarantee of future results, investment recommendations, or an offer to buy or sell securities by GCM Grosvenor. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic, or political conditions. The investment strategies mentioned are not personalized to your financial circumstances or investment objectives, and differences in account size, the timing of transactions, and market conditions prevailing at the time of investment may lead to different results. Certain information included herein may have been provided by parties not affiliated with GCM Grosvenor. GCM Grosvenor has not independently verified such information and makes no representation or warranty as to its accuracy or completeness.
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