Fox Business Interviews: Better Capital Options for Private Companies with Axial CEO

In two recent appearances on Fox Business, Axial CEO Peter Lehrman spoke about the evolution of the private capital markets. In an increasingly fragmented market, business owners, bankers and investors in the middle market are seeking new ways to conduct business development and identify with the best partners for financing and acquisition.

In May, Peter talked on air about the new normal for private equity investors when it comes to deal sourcing. He shared some key industry statistics:

• PE is healthy and has capital to deploy: Over the last 12 months, PE has raised $150 billion in new capital
• The M&A environment is strong: Global M&A is at $1.2 trillion YTD
• The middle market is where it’s at: The middle market represents the 4th largest economy in the world, and employs over 100 million people.

In discussing the increasing fragmentation of the middle market, he outlined how private equity firms need to be developing their online presence as part of their business development strategy.

In June, Peter talked to Risk & Reward host Deirdre Bolton about the opportunity for business owners, including the millions of baby boomers retiring each day, as they look to sell or transition their companies to new management.

Their options in the capital markets are expanding, but are also becoming more complex. Not only are private equity firms becoming more specialized, but corporate buyers are under increasing pressure to grow through acquisition. Peter outlined the importance of bringing the entire capital market ecosystem – owners, advisors and capital providers – together online in an open process to be sure the best deal gets done.

Axial, in particular, is seeing growth in the areas that had been less visible – business owners, themselves, and in the lenders that often support the transaction.