#79: The art of deal making with private equity veteran Imad Ghandour

Imad Ghandour shares his extensive experience in the private equity sector, covering essential topics such as buying, improving, and selling companies in MENA. He delves into the philosophy behind his firm, CedarBridge Capital Partners, highlighting their unique approach to operational involvement, and focus on positive management. We delve into CedarBridge’s latest successful exit ‘The Grooming Company Holding’ and how Imad and his partners were able to successfully invest in the beauty sector, grow the business internationally and grow its bottom line. Imad offers tips on management, deal making, achieving operational excellence and managing through crisis.

00:00 Opening segment and sponsor message
01:50 The art of buying and growing companies
02:31 CedarBridge Capital's unique approach
03:50 Building awareness and deal flow
04:48 Imad's journey into private equity
07:49 The rise and fall to private equity funds in MENA
09:56 Impact of the financial crisis and Abraaj fallout
14:34 CedarBridge's investment strategy
25:28 Case Study: The Grooming Company Holding
30:21 What is the magic circle?
30:46 The gold facial phenomenon
32:14 Positive management in beauty
35:37 Operational involvement in private equity
39:51 Navigating the M&A market
42:52 Investing in nurseries (early learning) and education
50:33 Traits for success in private equity
56:00 Rapid fire questions
58:23 Closing


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Hi I'm Loulou Khazen, I live in Dubai. I'm a tech entrepreneur turned venture capital investor, podcaster and public speaker. More importantly, I'm a mother of two! If you want to know more, visit my LinkedIn page or check out the latest profile by Entrepreneur Magazine: https://bit.ly/3QLwBKs

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