Latest news with #Bain
Forbes
5 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Retail Investors Want In—Just As Private Equity Industry Resets
Private Equity Retail investors are increasingly eager to access private equity ('PE'), drawn by the promise of higher returns and diversification. With public markets dominated by a narrow set of tech-driven mega-cap stocks, the appeal of uncorrelated, long-term private market exposure is growing. According to the American Investment Council's 2025 public pension study, private equity delivered a median annualized return of 13.5% over the 10-year period ending in 2024. It was also the best-performing asset class in public pension portfolios—outpacing public equity, real estate, and fixed income. To date, retail investors have had limited access to burgeoning private assets, an immense marketplace. Private assets, including PE, have tripled in size since 2013 and are projected to reach $65 trillion globally by 2034, according to Bain. And more than 1,500 global startups now carry unicorn valuations, as companies stay private longer. Retail interest is being reinforced by a shift in policy. Congress is weighing legislation to allow defined contribution retirement plans—including 401(k)s—to access private equity. A new executive order is expected to clarify fiduciary protections for plan sponsors, particularly around fees and valuation concerns. However, retail's arrival comes just as the private equity model is undergoing a profound transition. A New Playbook for PE For much of the past decade, PE thrived on cheap debt, rising valuations, and global dealmaking. That model is under pressure. 'Performance levers that were pulled to such great effect during the low-rate era—principally financial leverage and valuation expansion—will lose potency,' notes Future Standard in their recent private markets outlook. Rather today, with borrowing costs higher and valuations compressed, managers must create value through margin expansion, pricing power, and operational efficiency. Meanwhile, the macro backdrop isn't helping. Current US policies have clouded the M&A environment, where valuation is often negatively correlated to volatility. And timely exits, which underpin PE's return profile, are becoming harder to achieve. Distributions as a share of net asset value have fallen to just 11%—the lowest in over a decade. And PitchBook estimates there are over 12,000 U.S. PE-backed companies in inventory—enough to last seven or eight years at the current exit pace. Even elite investors are adjusting to this new PE environment. Yale University, long an advocate of PE, is reportedly seeking to sell up to $6 billion in private equity holdings to manage liquidity constraints. Wall Street Eyes Retail As institutional fundraising slows, Wall Street is turning to retail. BlackRock recently launched a target-date fund including private equity and credit, backed by $30 billion in acquisitions to expand its private markets platforms. Certainly, private equity remains a powerful investment engine, but it's evolving. While institutional investors are equipped to navigate illiquidity, fees, and valuation opacity, the average retail investor may not be. Products reaching individual investors often lack the access or pricing advantages of large institutions. Layered fees—across platforms, managers, and structures—can severely dilute returns. In a lower-return environment, that friction matters more. Retail Proceeds with Care Successful retail participation will depend on access via sophisticated fiduciary advisors—those bound to act in a client's best interest and capable of navigating complexity. Policy may soon open the doors wider, but access is not the same as advantage. For retail investors, the PE opportunity is real—but so is the challenge to enter wisely.
Web Release
a day ago
- Business
- Web Release
Bain & Company announces senior leadership appointments in its Enterprise Technology practice
Bain & Company today announced senior leadership changes within its global Enterprise Technology (ET) practice, which supports the firm's clients worldwide in delivering accelerated business transformations by leveraging the most advanced technology platforms and solutions. With the rapidly evolving role of AI and fundamental technology innovations fueling tech-driven change across industries, Bain is continuing to see strong growth in client demand for its deep technology expertise. Tech- and AI-enabled revenue already accounts for more than 30% of the firm's business and is expected to reach half of revenues in coming years. The firm's new Enterprise Technology practice leadership team will play a pivotal role in the continuing development of its ET capabilities and its broader tech-related support for clients. Bain announced today that Pascal Gautheron will take over as the global leader of its Enterprise Technology practice, succeeding Stephen Phillips, who has headed the firm's global ET team for the past seven years. Phillips becomes chairman of the ET practice, working directly with Bain's clients and market-facing forums to raise awareness of enterprise technology's full potential. Gautheron takes over the global leadership position having previously served as head of the ET practice in Asia-Pacific (APAC). He brings to his new role more than 27 years of experience in shaping some of the region's largest technology-enabled business transformations, particularly in the banking and financial services sector. Since joining Bain in 2017, Gautheron has supported multiple clients in developing and implementing successful digital and core systems transformations, next-generation technology architectures, agile at scale, and leading-edge AI deployments. Having previously been based in Sydney, Australia, and having begun his career as an engineer in Stuttgart and Paris, and with an MBA from the HEC Paris Business School, Gautheron will return to those roots to lead Bain's ET practice from the firm's Paris office. In further key changes in Bain's regional ET leadership, the firm also announced today that Damian Stephenson replaces Gautheron as regional leader of the ET practice in APAC. Based in Sydney, Stephenson has spent nearly 20 years at Bain (both in APAC and North America). He specializes in supporting clients in all industries to pursue technology modernization and technology-led strategy and transformation. Stephenson is also a leader in the firm's Financial Services and M&A practices. Laurent Hermoye becomes regional leader for ET in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), succeeding Marc van der Vleugel. Brussels-based Hermoye brings two decades' experience in shaping and delivering large-scale digital transformations, particularly in the consumer brands sector. Major business transformations he has led have involved large-scale initiatives enabled by enterprise resource planning (ERP), digital marketing, commerce, and operations enhancements, as well as post-merger integrations and separations. He has also led multiple technology and AI strategies, operating model redesign programs, and cost transformations. Hermoye also serves as chairman of Enterprise Blueprints, a Bain company providing enterprise and solution architecture services. Denver-based partner Will Poindexter continues to serve as regional leader for ET in the Americas (AMER). Chuck Whitten, partner and global head of Bain's digital practices and capabilities, commented: 'With investment in AI and data now a paramount priority for companies across industries, the new Enterprise Technology leadership announced today will further accelerate our work to bring the power of cutting-edge technologies to help our clients solve some of the most complex business challenges. More than just identifying the best means for technology to benefit a business, today companies need to reinvent entire business models and value chains atop their tech infrastructures. Our new ET leaders will enable our clients to lead the field in grasping these critical business challenges.' Whitten added: 'With today's transition, I want to thank Stephen Phillips and recognize the outstanding contribution to Bain that he has made over more than two decades in leadership roles in our Enterprise Technology team. Stephen has been the guiding hand in the rapid growth of the ET practice through those years, in developing the breadth and depth of its capabilities, its expertise, and its people – and in bringing the very best of Bain to deliver industry-leading results for our clients. I'm delighted that, as ET practice chairman, Stephen will be playing a continuing and central role in the world-class work our ET team are bringing to clients around the globe every day.' Bain & Company's global Enterprise Technology practice consists of a team of more than 1,500 multidisciplinary experts including data scientists, architects, software engineers, innovators and designers. Along with nearly two-dozen focused partnerships with some of today's most renowned technology firms, Bain's ET team equip client businesses with market-leading capabilities to power growth and accelerate value creation.
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Turmoil or not, luxury fashion can't afford to ignore the Middle East region
Elie Saab held its 45th anniversary show in Riyadh last November, featuring a performance from Celine Dion. Photo: Instagram/Elie Saab With Middle East airspace reopening and the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran appearing to hold, the luxury fashion sector is still counting on the region's wealthy shoppers to help offset weakness in its main US and Chinese markets – for now. The Middle East, helped by strong tourist flows and local wealth, has bucked a recent global slowdown in luxury sales that is expected to deepen this year, with some brands growing sales there at double-digit rates. Luxury sales in Gulf countries were up 6% to US$12.8bil (approximately RM54.1bil) of the nearly US$400bil (RM1.7tril) market last year, outpacing a global drop of 2%, with strong appetite for high-end fashion, jewellery and beauty products, retail consultant Chalhoub Group said. However, that trade is heavily dependent on the region's burgeoning tourist trade, with consulting firm Bain estimating that some 50-60% of the Middle East's luxury sales come from tourists. Read more: Though absent, Giorgio Armani's vision still comes to life at Milan Fashion Week This month's outbreak of an air war between Israel and Iran emphasised the ongoing risks in a region in which unrest was already simmering, with airlines cancelling flights and rerouting planes following Israel's strikes against Iran on June 13 – measures that are now being unwound. "At this point, we have not adjusted our long-term growth forecast, as we continue to see considerable potential in the region," said Federica Lovato, senior partner at Bain. "However, short-term volatility has increased in the last few weeks and may continue, depending on how the situation develops." The region is an important hub for travel spending, favoured by Russian oligarchs but also wealthy Asians, and has increased in importance since Russia's invasion of Ukraine triggered sanctions and the rerouting of flights between Europe and Asia from more northerly routes to the Middle East. It also serves as a gateway for high-end brands to reach wealthy shoppers from India, where high tariffs have kept companies like LVMH from expanding store networks. Max Heinemann, co-CEO of travel retail group Gebr Heinemann, which recently expanded into Saudi Arabia and operates airport fashion retail stores carrying luxury brands in Jeddah, said the region's travel market has shown long-term resilience despite unrest. He remains optimistic: "Dips may be witnessed, but growth will remain." At Prada, first-quarter sales in the region rose 26% year-on-year, while Hermes' sales there were up 14%. High-end fashion and jewellery brands have been opening new stores and hosting splashy events. Milan-based menswear label Zegna this month took its spring collection to the opera house in Dubai, the region's leading luxury hub, for a catwalk show in an elaborate set evoking an Italian villa. Read more: Uncovering Valentino's fashion legacy: Celebrities, luxury and the power of red Elie Saab held its 45th anniversary show in Riyadh last November, featuring a performance from Celine Dion. Dior, Saint Laurent and Valentino last year opened stores in Bahrain, while this year Louis Vuitton brought guests to the Dubai desert for a dawn meal and Chanel hosted a dinner in Abu Dhabi linked to a high jewellery launch. But maintaining visitor numbers to Middle Eastern destinations will be vital to bringing shoppers through the doors. Luxury travel agency Global Travel Moments says that for now, its long-term travel volumes to the Middle East have been unaffected by the latest unrest. However, given recent events, there is currently "certainly more caution" before finalising trips to the broader Middle East, it said. – Reuters
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Non-dominant hand, evening brushing: Fitness expert shares six easy weight loss tips that can cut 500 calories per day
Bain's suggestions aim to address common challenges in weight loss such as overeating, cravings, and late-night snacking. His approach focuses on mindful eating, portion control, and small behavioral shifts that support consistency in weight loss goals. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Reducing calorie intake can be made easier with some strategic changes to eating habits, according to fitness coach Josh Bain. In a recent Instagram post, Bain listed simple but effective methods that can help people cut up to 500 calories per day without drastic lifestyle advised eating with the non-dominant hand to slow down food intake and encourage mindfulness.'Sounds silly, right? But this will SLOW your eating down and help you eat 30 percent less. That could be 150-300 calories shaved off in just one meal,' he teeth earlier sends a psychological signal to stop eating for the day.'Doing this earlier than your bed time routine creates a psychological 'kitchen closed' effect. Watch this be a game changer in eliminating late night snacking! You can easily save 200-600 calories by doing this,' Bain highlighted how beverages like coffee, alcohol, and smoothies often go unnoticed in daily calorie tracking.'These sneak up on you. 2-3 coffees a day, could lead to hundreds of calories. Alcohol, creamers, smoothies… they all add up,' he cut down on calories from cooking oil, Bain suggested using alternatives like air fryers or low-calorie sprays.'Opt for a low cal spray instead or get an Air Fryer!' he recommended waiting before giving in to food offers and drinking lemon water to assess actual hunger.'Before you say 'yes' to food, wait 15 minutes and have a glass of lemon water first! You're probably satisfied,' he final tip stressed the importance of portion control and eating high-volume, low-calorie foods.'Fill yourself up with the correct foods. You want to fill your body with high volume low calorie foods (celery, cucumber, gherkins, tomatoes, cabbage),' Bain explained.(Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Instagram for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for guidance related to diet or health conditions. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of Reader discretion is advised.)
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Non-dominant hand, evening brushing: Fitness expert shares six easy weight loss tips that can cut 500 calories per day
Bain's suggestions aim to address common challenges in weight loss such as overeating, cravings, and late-night snacking. His approach focuses on mindful eating, portion control, and small behavioral shifts that support consistency in weight loss goals. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Reducing calorie intake can be made easier with some strategic changes to eating habits, according to fitness coach Josh Bain. In a recent Instagram post, Bain listed simple but effective methods that can help people cut up to 500 calories per day without drastic lifestyle advised eating with the non-dominant hand to slow down food intake and encourage mindfulness.'Sounds silly, right? But this will SLOW your eating down and help you eat 30 percent less. That could be 150-300 calories shaved off in just one meal,' he teeth earlier sends a psychological signal to stop eating for the day.'Doing this earlier than your bed time routine creates a psychological 'kitchen closed' effect. Watch this be a game changer in eliminating late night snacking! You can easily save 200-600 calories by doing this,' Bain highlighted how beverages like coffee, alcohol, and smoothies often go unnoticed in daily calorie tracking.'These sneak up on you. 2-3 coffees a day, could lead to hundreds of calories. Alcohol, creamers, smoothies… they all add up,' he cut down on calories from cooking oil, Bain suggested using alternatives like air fryers or low-calorie sprays.'Opt for a low cal spray instead or get an Air Fryer!' he recommended waiting before giving in to food offers and drinking lemon water to assess actual hunger.'Before you say 'yes' to food, wait 15 minutes and have a glass of lemon water first! You're probably satisfied,' he final tip stressed the importance of portion control and eating high-volume, low-calorie foods.'Fill yourself up with the correct foods. You want to fill your body with high volume low calorie foods (celery, cucumber, gherkins, tomatoes, cabbage),' Bain explained.(Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on Instagram for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for guidance related to diet or health conditions. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of Reader discretion is advised.)
