About this episode

The episode discusses strategies for private equity firms to improve exit outcomes in a challenging market.

In today’s tougher exit environment, private equity firms are facing longer holding periods, valuation gaps, and increased pressure to return capital. Kai Vollhardt and Jelena Bauer  are joined by Christian Habrich and Frederyk Schroeder as they unpack their latest article on how to drive successful exits. They share strategies that top-performing firms use to improve exit outcomes and turn preparation into premium valuations, including how to translate AI potential into a credible value story. Related Insights Beating the odds: How private equity firms can improve exit prospects Global Private Markets Report 2026 Private equity 2026 outlook: Clearer view, tougher terrain Unlocking full potential: Five practices reshaping PE value creation Transforming value creation in private equity portfolio companies (podcast) The coming wave of business transfers (podcast) What every CEO can learn from private equity (podcast)   Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

People in this episode

Hosts: Kai Vollhardt, Jelena Bauer

Guests: Christian Habrich, Frederyk Schroeder

Topics covered

• private equity
• exit strategies
• valuation
• AI in finance
• capital return

Keywords

• private equity
• exit prospects
• valuation gaps
• AI potential
• capital return

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: McKinsey & Company

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