Dubilier & Co.’s investment philosophy is predicated on identifying acquisition candidates that present an opportunity to constructively apply both the operating and financial disciplines of our professionals. The introduction of the operating element into the private equity process affords us the opportunity to pursue long-term growth strategies and create value over time. In evaluating potential investments, we begin the process by learning as much as we can about a business and its industry.  At the earliest stage, we work closely with management to form a trust-based relationship and develop a shared vision for the enterprise.

We make clear to everyone involved that we do not buy a company to become day-to-day operators.  That responsibility belongs to our management partners.  But we have a deep network of seasoned executives who provide the resources to help management execute its business plan, as well as identify attractive growth opportunities that could include additional equity investments. We strongly believe we can best realize the vision for our companies by promoting a commonality of interests among various stakeholders, including management, the Board of Directors, the shareholders and the lenders.  We typically invite management to contribute a meaningful amount of equity to a transaction.  Furthermore, we ensure that the equity participation is appropriately distributed amongst the management team. Together, management and the shareholders share in the potential economic rewards of ownership.

Dubilier & Co. endeavors to help management realize their ambitions and grow their companies by developing what we term an “overqualified” Board of Directors. In addition to representatives from Dubilier & Co. and management, the Board will typically be comprised of several outside directors, each of whom possesses extensive industry experience and relevant business knowledge. Part of the Board’s role is to provide perspective and to challenge management by suggesting new ideas and strategies. Our investment philosophy encourages management to pursue strategies that promote the creation of sustainable equity value rather than short-term earnings gains.

Because our investment strategy is so individually tailored, we work to meet the seller’s objectives as long as those needs do not preclude the opportunity to profitably grow the company.  Some examples of areas in which Dubilier & Co. has had great success include:

• Entrepreneurial or family-owned businesses in which the shareholders are seeking liquidity.
• Acquisition or growth capital infusions in companies with a proven competitive niche looking to accelerate growth.
• Non-core divisions of corporations that no longer meet the strategic goals of the parent company.
• Undervalued or underperforming enterprises with the opportunity to effect change.
• Strategic or financial partnerships with others who bring additional skills or expertise to the opportunity.

It is important to note that Dubilier & Co. invests in all stages of a company’s lifecycle, from venture capital to acquisition.