Resources
Policy snapshot: Private equity
PERSPECTIVE | November 18, 2020
Authored by RSM US LLP
Joe Biden is the projected winner of the presidential election, while control of the Senate will be won only by a slim margin following runoff elections for Georgia’s two seats in January. What does a divided government mean for the middle market? RSM is looking at the policy implications and key issues for various industries. This is one in our series of industry-focused outlooks for a Biden administration.
According to Joe Biden’s plan
It remains to be seen whether the transition to the Biden administration will have a significant impact on the private equity industry and other alternative investment classes. Biden has said he plans to raise the corporate income tax rate to 28% from 21%, which would make mergers and acquisitions less lucrative. He supports raising taxes on capital gains, which will bring more exits through year-end, but the move could hamper deal-making in the medium to long term. But a closely divided Senate is likely to keep such wholesale changes in check.
Biden is expected to take a more nuanced approach to China, possibly pulling back on some tariffs though maintaining a relatively tough stance. This will spur bilateral investment, especially in manufacturing. The incoming president lists climate change as a priority issue and seeks to reduce emissions, while investing in clean energy technology and infrastructure, which would accelerate social impact investing.
What a closely divided Senate means for private equity
Biden’s heightened legislative platform is unlikely to gain traction; instead, we may see some incremental compromise measures.
Meanwhile, the suppressed economic outlook has damaged confidence in the short term. To reconcile the difference between actual and perceived market prices, we expect to encounter a return of deal terms usually seen in recessionary environments, like deferred consideration mechanisms, indemnification, opt-out terms and earn-outs. The deep discounts in the market, exacerbated by many firms needing financing or wanting to offload troubled assets, could be the call to arms the industry has been waiting for.
What room for growth or evolution exists in private equity?
Current industry dynamics—historically low interest rates, record amounts of dry powder, ample distressed assets in the wake of the pandemic—favor PE in the long term. Expect countless buying opportunities for well-priced companies.
Technology, health care and green energy are the sectors likely to receive significant PE allocations near term. Further out, sectors hardest hit by the pandemic, including real estate, retail and hospitality, may present the highest upside as these sectors offer the lowest buying prices.
On the downside, with rising virus transmission, on-site diligence is not happening, and some managers may move slower than previously; this could further hamper deal-making. The Securities and Exchange Commission will remain judicious in its oversight of asset managers, with focus areas including undisclosed fees and expenses, and potential conflicts of interest.
Questions that frame the path forward:
- Will infrastructure spending plans be revived, creating additional opportunities in the real estate and construction sectors?
- What triggers will accelerate action on the part of strategic investors who have been sitting on the sidelines preserving the cash on their balance sheets, and how will that affect market valuations?
Let's Talk!
Call us at (325) 677-6251 or fill out the form below and we'll contact you to discuss your specific situation.
This article was written by RSM US LLP and originally appeared on Nov 18, 2020.
2022 RSM US LLP. All rights reserved.
https://rsmus.com/insights/economics/policy-snapshot-private-equity.html
RSM US Alliance provides its members with access to resources of RSM US LLP. RSM US Alliance member firms are separate and independent businesses and legal entities that are responsible for their own acts and omissions, and each is separate and independent from RSM US LLP. RSM US LLP is the U.S. member firm of RSM International, a global network of independent audit, tax, and consulting firms. Members of RSM US Alliance have access to RSM International resources through RSM US LLP but are not member firms of RSM International. Visit rsmus.com/about us for more information regarding RSM US LLP and RSM International. The RSM logo is used under license by RSM US LLP. RSM US Alliance products and services are proprietary to RSM US LLP.
![](http://condleyandco.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/RSM-US-Alliance-Logo-Stacked-RGB-300x208-1.png)
Condley and Company, LLP is a proud member of the RSM US Alliance, a premier affiliation of independent accounting and consulting firms in the United States. RSM US Alliance provides our firm with access to resources of RSM US LLP, the leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market. RSM US LLP is a licensed CPA firm and the U.S. member of RSM International, a global network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms with more than 43,000 people in over 120 countries.
Our membership in RSM US Alliance has elevated our capabilities in the marketplace, helping to differentiate our firm from the competition while allowing us to maintain our independence and entrepreneurial culture. We have access to a valuable peer network of like-sized firms as well as a broad range of tools, expertise and technical resources.
For more information on how Condley and Company can assist you, please call (325) 677-6251.