Participating Preferred

Anyone know PE, Mezz or Unitranche lenders that use this as a key strategy for its portfolio?

I realize it isn't a great option for most targets seeking funding, but just curious if the investment structure has any traction or frequency.

9 Comments
 

Are you looking for actual firm names?

I assume you know the reasons why participating preferred would be used over straight common? You're more likely to see the structure used by mezz funds, and I guess uni funds, as well. Some PE firms open to non-control situations would consider the structure, too. In any case, I have never seen a firm with participating preferred as a KEY strategy for their portfolio.

 
ThaVanBurenBoyzAre you looking for actual firm names?

I assume you know the reasons why participating preferred would be used over straight common? You're more likely to see the structure used by mezz funds, and I guess uni funds, as well. Some PE firms open to non-control situations would consider the structure, too. In any case, I have never seen a firm with participating preferred as a KEY strategy for their portfolio.

Yea, was just curious. I realize the reasons why it would be used over straight common or even warrants/convertible. I figured there wouldn't be many (if any) firms that use it as a key strategy, but always find myself surprised still, given the amount of funds and money out there (esp. in the MM).

 

It's a way to bridge the valuation gap and is more common in growth equity/minority equity infusion scenario's. You are effectively lowering the pre-money valuation when compared to a straight preferred security. More likely to see it in the lower MM.

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Best Response

EightAceTres hit the nail on the head. I've used the structure, and it is a terrific way to protect on the downside when valuation is an issue. Basically, until the PE firm gets the face value of the Preferred plus any accrued dividends, the seller (or holder of common shares) gets nothing. After the preferred is paid off, the remaining proceeds are split pro rata between the common shareholders. Typically, the PE firm woud have 100% of the preferred and a portion of the common to bridge the gap between the return from preferred dividends, and the target return on equity.

 

From my experience it's not used often, and I never saw an LOI with the structure when I was in banking. As others have said, its used in situations where value expectations are not aligned. I'm sure every PE firm would love to use the structure on more deals (given downside protection), but most sellers are / can be convinced that a little less money up front with a greater roll percentage, is actually worth more in the long run.

 
SchruteFarmsFrom my experience it's not used often, and I never saw an LOI with the structure when I was in banking. As others have said, its used in situations where value expectations are not aligned. I'm sure every PE firm would love to use the structure on more deals (given downside protection), but most sellers are / can be convinced that a little less money up front with a greater roll percentage, is actually worth more in the long run.

Thanks. Makes sense.

 

We would propose it in our initial TS, and if we got some negative feedback would either lower the preference, the dividend, or a combination of both. This was more common with companies with rapid growth projections, and thus a higher sense of value than what most investors could justify.

Play the long game - give back, help out, mentor - just don't ever forget where you came from. #Bootstrapped
 

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