Evolving Strategies in Private Equity

Hugh MacArthur, Chairman of Global Private Equity Practice, Bain & Company

In this episode of M&A Science, Hugh MacArthur joins us to discuss the evolution of private equity over the last three decades—from the early days of deal-making and bespoke financing to today’s hyper-competitive, tech-driven landscape.

Hugh shares how Bain’s private equity practice scaled from an entrepreneurial idea to one-third of the firm's global business and dives into what differentiates top-performing firms. We explore sourcing strategies, value levers, post-acquisition success, and how PE firms are adapting to rising interest rates and new technologies like AI.

Things you will learn:

How Bain & Company built and scaled its private equity practice from scratch
The shift from margin improvement to growth-oriented value creation strategies
How private equity firms are evolving sourcing and financing models
The future of deal execution using AI and specialized data tools

‍

Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world’s most ambitious change makers define the future. Across 65 cities in 40 countries, they provide management consulting services to public, private, and non-profit organizations, focusing on helping clients make better decisions, turn those decisions into action, and achieve sustainable success.

‍

Industry

Business Consulting and Services

Founded

1973

Website

https://www.bain.com

Hugh MacArthur

Hugh MacArthur is Chairman of the Global Private Equity Practice at Bain & Company, where he has worked for over 30 years. He helped found Bain’s private equity consulting division, which has grown into one of the largest and most influential PE advisory practices globally. Hugh is recognized for his deep insights into commercial due diligence, value creation, and navigating the dynamic private assets space. He previously served as Bain’s CIO, overseeing employee investment strategies.