Being a Good Dealmaker

At DealGen Partners, our clients are a unique group of 35 private equity funds who are looking to invest in businesses of all shapes and sizes. These funds are managed by individuals who have come up with an attractive investment thesis, and have raised money from outside parties to execute. These outside parties believe in the thesis, sure, but they mainly believe in the private equity team’s ability to execute and be good, if not great dealmakers. There is an old saying in investing which goes “Money is made when a company is bought, not when it is sold.” But what makes a good dealmaker? There are some key intangibles we see across all of our clients, especially the top dealmakers.

A great deal maker is someone who is skilled at negotiating and closing transactions. Here are a few key qualities that can make someone a great deal maker:

Strong communication skills

A great dealmaker has strong communication skills, including the ability to listen actively, express themselves clearly, and persuade others. They are also skilled at building relationships and maintaining rapport with potential partners.

Strategic thinking

A great dealmaker is able to think strategically and anticipate the needs and interests of the other party. They are able to develop and execute a negotiation plan that aligns with their own goals and those of the other party.

Flexibility

A great dealmaker is flexible and able to adapt to changing circumstances. They are able to adjust their negotiation strategy as needed and are willing to compromise to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Attention to detail

A great dealmaker pays close attention to the details of a deal and is able to identify potential issues or roadblocks before they become major problems. They are also skilled at identifying and addressing any concerns or objections that may arise during negotiations.

Persistence

A great dealmaker is persistent and able to stay focused on their goals, even when faced with setbacks or obstacles. They are able to keep the negotiation process moving forward and work to find creative solutions to any challenges that arise.

Ultimately, a great dealmaker is someone who is able to effectively negotiate and close deals that are mutually beneficial for all parties involved. They are skilled at building relationships, communicating effectively, and thinking strategically, which allows them to create win-win situations for everyone involved, and also allows them to raise more money to continue to execute. If you are a top mid market private equity firm looking to buy your next platform, or execute a roll up strategy, then DealGen Partner’s would be happy to show you some transaction ready deals that meet your thesis.

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Joe Zanca is a Managing Partner at DealGen Partners