The PE HUB Podcast

Chris Witkowsky and Sam Sutton of PE Hub are back after a long hiatus to discuss a restructuring of fundless sponsor Argonne Capital Group’s six portfolio companies and whether that transaction is a harbinger of more creative deals on the secondary market. Next, California Public Employees’ Retirement System is exploring setting up a new platform to pursue direct investments. What that will entail, and whether it can be done, remains an open question.

Welcome back to the PE Hub Podcast, where we absolutely live for any and all drama relating to California Public Employees’ Retirement System. First, Sam Sutton walks us through how the misuse of an office scanner led to a clash between CalPERS board members. Next, Luisa Beltran stops by to tell us about what’s happening in financial technology M&A. Finally, Chris Witkowsky continues his exploration of GPs finding creative ways to hold certain investments longer.

On Episode 11 of the PE Hub Podcast, Sarah Pringle stops by to discuss her blockbuster Buyouts cover story about why private equity hasn't had its #MeToo moment. Sarah, Sam Sutton and Chris Witkowsky explore what steps private equity firms and their investors can take to put a stop to workplace harassment. Next (19:30), Chris explains how Hellman & Friedman's single-asset secondary transaction could open the door to more firms holding on to their portfolio companies for longer periods of time. You can also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. Please leave us a rating.

The stock market’s volatile and limited partners are gazing warily at their private equity allocations, wondering if capital calls and subscription line facilities could present a problem in a downturn. Hosts Chris Witkowsky and Sam Sutton discuss what LPs should be thinking about with storm clouds on the horizon and deal prices cresting. Next, Chris explains why Sequoia Capital might have to reach out to a group of investors they’ve ignored for years -- public pensions (12:30). Will the SoftBank effect overtake the Sequoia's long history of avoiding public disclosures?

Hosts Chris Witkowsky and Sam Sutton sit down with reporter Eamon Murphy to discuss his story about Blackstone Group's field trip to Singularity University. Then, Chris gets conspiratorial with news about the powerful roots of AEA Investors (7:50) and changes at Gores Group (15:00). Finally, Sam asks a fundamental question: should public pensions invest in private equity? (20:00) Listen on SoundCloud and/or subscribe on iTunes.

PE HUB’s healthcare M&A guru Sarah Pringle sits down with Chris Witkowsky and Sam Sutton to talk about her trip to San Francisco for J.P. Morgan’s healthcare conference. Next, Chris discusses the private equity fundraising environment going into 2018 and expected mega-funds from firms like Vista Equity Partners and Warburg Pincus (16:45). Finally, Sam explains how California’s public pensions are handling a new private equity transparency law (33:00). Listen on SoundCloud or subscribe on iTunes.

PE HUB Editors Chris Witkowsky and Sam Sutton discuss booming investor demand for new private equity firms, along with some of the challenges associated with launching your own firm. Pitchbook's Nizar Tarhuni calls in to discuss some of the data his team has put together on the performance of emerging managers (found at 13:00). Later, Chris interviews Oak HC/FT Co-founder and General Partner Andrew Adams about spinning his firm out of Oak Investment Partners and what he wishes he’d known when he launched Oak HC/FT (found at 30:00). This episode of the PE HUB Podcast is sponsored by WithumSmith + Brown. For an elite class of audit, tax, accounting and quality control services, WithumSmith + Brown offers Strength in Financial Services. To listen and subscribe on iTunes, visit https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pe-hub-podcast/id1314625193?mt=2.

Sam Sutton and Chris Witkowsky sit down to discuss an unusual trend of private equity firms prohibiting their LPs from talking amongst themselves -- particularly if a restructuring or GP replacement's afoot. Next, Meketa Investment Group found that California Public Employees' Retirement System is struggling to meet its allocation requirements with its "Core 30" strategy.

PE HUB Editors Luisa Beltran, Sam Sutton and Chris Witkowsky discuss new Preqin data that demonstrates the industry's diversity problem. Then, Sam interviews Bronwyn Bailey of the American Investment Council about PE firms' best practices for recruiting and retaining women. Finally, Chris sits down with Caitlin Riederer, an associate at Charlesbank who is just starting her career in the industry.

PE HUB’s Chris Witkowsky and Sam Sutton are joined by Eamon Murphy to discuss his reporting on the relationship between President Donald Trump and Blackstone Group Co-Founder Stephen Schwarzman. Later, all three discuss tax reform and Chris’s story about an interesting minority stake sale, which was used to pay down a clawback.

Sarah Pringle joins Chris Witkowsky and Sam Sutton to discuss trends she's covering in healthcare M&A. Then, the PE HUB team discusses Chris's story about SunTx. Concluding the podcast, Sam interviews CalPERS Board Member JJ Jelincic, who has some strong opinions about the direction of CalPERS's PE program and CIO Ted Eliopoulos.

peHUB.com editors Chris Witkowsky and Sam Sutton sit down to discuss the US fundraising environment, along with capital call subscription lines, a bizarre showdown at LA City Employees' Retirement System and the sexual harassment stories coming to light in Silicon Valley.

peHUB editors Chris Witkowsky and Sam Sutton sit down to talk about the phenomenon of private equity firms selling off minority stakes in their management companies. Then, Chris asks Sam about his stories about the CalPERS private equity program, and what the controversy surrounding fees and expenses could mean for the $26 billion investment portfolio.