Seizing Opportunities with an Entrepreneurial Mindset

At the 2012 Global Investment Forum, this expert panel examined opportunities linked to increased interest in asset classes – direct investing, distressed assets and global fixed income – resulting from disjuncture in the world economy, the current financial crisis and its longer-term aftermath.

• Wealth owner, William Kidd, has found success in developing in-house resources along with long- time trusted advisors to be able to evaluate and move quickly.  Kidd focuses on ‘value investments’ in the middle market.  Looks for successful companies that have potential for growth and ‘scalability’.  The key is to know who you are investing with and that the seller continues to have skin in the game 
• Elan Schultz, managing partner of Quilvest USA, develops long-term relationship with clients understanding their risk tolerance for PE and global investing.  The key is having staff and/or direct connections with banks or other professionals in several countries who can guide the acquisition.  Quilvest builds an intimate understanding of the client’s goals and has the client’s trust so they are in a position to act quickly on behalf of client. 
• Deal sourcing is enhanced through networking.  The multi-family office model has outside board members on the investment committee with different and varied expertise including former CEOs of banks in the area who continue to network and bring deals to them
• Bett Diment commented that convergence between emerging market and developed world bond markets is set to continue as emerging markets become more developed, provided they observe good macroeconomic management
• Distressed opportunities, according to William Kay of Apollo Global Management, exist not just in fire-sale situations where companies are on the verge of bankruptcy, but where assets are discounted and the fundamental business model remains sound