Helping a Private Equity Firm Navigate a $1.6 Billion Sale

Top 3 Areas of Impact

Executed services through full deal life cycle.

Navigated the relationship dynamics and complex transactional nuances of a $1.6 billion sale.

Provided exit-oriented audits that anticipated multiple sales paths.

Summary

Explore how BDO assisted a private equity client through the take-private transaction of one of its portfolio companies. BDO’s audit team provided extensive audit services and worked closely with the client and its portco throughout the holding period, supporting them in the sale to a global investment firm.

SERVICES PROVIDED
Transactions & Buy and Build 
INDUSTRY
Private Equity, Technology

Person typing on a computer.

Challenge

An IT security company faced significant challenges during its acquisition journey, starting with its $1.6 billion take-private deal in 2018. This was followed by an ownership transition that involved a substantial increase in valuation, creating complex relationship dynamics that the client and its portco needed to navigate.

Results

We provided a dedicated team to the client to meet strict deadlines while leveraging additional resources as needed. We also conducted an engagement quality control review by adding a second BDO principal to assess and account for various exit events in advance. This level of detail is part of our audit process and is especially important for anticipating future sales in private company audits.

Scott Brower
Assurance Principal