Advancing growth while balancing compliance
In a fiercely competitive middle market and deal environment, you need guidance for the latest technology, regulatory challenges and opportunities for firm encounters.
Creating value across a portfolio requires more than financial engineering. As market conditions evolve, firms need operational improvements, performance visibility and actionable insights to drive EBITDA growth. Wipfli helps private equity firms identify value-creation opportunities and execute initiatives that drive stronger returns throughout the investment life cycle.
From talent gaps and reporting challenges to operational efficiencies, addressing the obstacles that limit growth requires a multidisciplinary approach. Wipfli’s support is backed by comprehensive advisory services that help portfolio companies strengthen performance across operations.
Technology has become a critical driver of value creation, yet many firms struggle with fragmented systems, inconsistent data and underperforming technology investments. Wipfli helps private equity firms build data-driven operations, modernize technology environments and implement the right solutions for performance.
Competitive deal markets leave little room for surprises. Wipfli provides end-to-end transaction support backed by deep industry specialization to help you make informed investment decisions and maximize returns. We look beyond quality of earnings, delivering reports on the quality of tax compliance, revenue growth, human resources, leadership, data, IT and operational performance so that you can move confidently.
Increasing regulatory scrutiny, cybersecurity threats and compliance requirements are a growing threat to portfolio value. Wipfli’s comprehensive risk advisory support helps you navigate compliance, cybersecurity and operational controls so you can protect value and focus on growth.
Explore our services
Wipfli’s integrated approach means that all services are ready when needed — at the deal stage and every stage of the investment life cycle. Our professionals are ready to apply our deep industry specialization in coveted industries like manufacturing and distribution, healthcare, hospitality accommodations, technology, construction and real estate.
Insights for private equity leaders
PODCAST
Bank on Wipfli podcast: How to reduce your tax burden when selling an RIA firm
In this episode of Bank on Wipfli, host Robert Zondag sits down with Dan Pastron and Cory Vargo, tax partners at Wipfli, to discuss how registered investment advisors can structure the sale of their firm to maximize after-tax value. Together, they explore critical tax and structuring considerations for RIA transactions, including: The impact of legal entity structure — asset vs. stock sales and why most RIA deals are treated as asset sales for tax purposes. Key tax planning considerations around rollover equity, including how to preserve tax deferral and avoid unexpected liquidity issues. Challenges related to allocating proceeds among shareholders at different career stages and how entity structure can limit or enable flexibility. The importance of early planning, state tax considerations and involving experienced advisors well before taking a firm to market. Learn more Why FP&A is essential for RIAs in a changing industry Succession planning’s role in your financial institution Succession planning of sell-side prep — or both? Listen on Apple Podcast Listen on Spotify
RESEARCH REPORT
The state of the asset management industry 2026 research report
How leaders can turn momentum into maturity For the third year, Wipfli surveyed asset management executives to understand their economic outlook, strategic priorities and top challenges for the year ahead. The 125 leaders we surveyed have a bullish outlook — and most view technology as key to achieving that growth. Yet many are still developing their roadmaps for data and AI, and technology-related concerns persist. In this survey, we learned: Growth expectations are strong: Nearly 70% of respondents anticipate revenue gains of 8% or more in the next 12 months. Firms with higher assets under management (AUM) expressed the strongest confidence. Digital capabilities are viewed as the next growth drivers: When asked about their strategies for achieving growth, the top responses centered on technology — including improving data analytics, digital customer engagement and automation. Market complexity and volatility persist: Wipfli executives described how recent market dynamics have reinforced the role of active management — and technology’s potential for enhancing performance. Technology is reshaping operations — and succession: Respondents said cybersecurity, data privacy measures and data analytics are changing how they operate. More than half identified technological change as the top driver of future ownership and succession planning. Most AI strategies are still maturing: Nearly all respondents (92%) reported implementing or exploring AI solutions, but only about one-third (34%) reported having a comprehensive roadmap. This full report pairs research findings with insights from Wipfli advisors to explore how asset management firms can maintain their momentum and translate it into measurable results.
Reach out to our team
Connect with our private equity specialists to discuss strategies for increasing EBITDA, managing risk and maximizing investment value.
LET'S CONNECT
Wipfli’s professionals are ready to apply our deep industry specialization and wide range of services to help you protect your investments and create greater value.
