Mitigating regulatory risks and strengthening reputation for a private equity firm 

A UK private equity firm faced mounting regulatory pressure regarding one of its portfolio companies. The firm lacked strong relationships with policymakers and was facing an adverse policy environment that posed a threat not only to the company’s future but also to the overall viability of the private equity sector in the UK. The challenge was not only to safeguard the portfolio company from imminent risks, but also to address systemic issues affecting the firm’s broader interests. The firm needed a comprehensive strategy to rebuild its reputation, engage with key policymakers, and establish itself as a constructive partner in the ongoing regulatory discourse surrounding private equity.

• Developed a public affairs and strategic communications strategy, collaborating closely with the client’s in-house investor relations and legal teams, to improve the reputation of the private equity firm and its portfolio companies.
• Mapped out key stakeholders across government, identifying risks and opportunities, and created tailored engagement plans for each stakeholder to maximize impact and mitigate risks.
• Established a real-time monitoring and intelligence service, ensuring 24/7 communication with the client, enabling timely responses to emerging risks and issues.
• Conducted competitor analysis and provided due diligence reports on policy and regulatory reforms likely to impact the firm and its portfolio companies, ensuring that the firm remained proactive in its decision-making.
• Worked closely with the client to incorporate strategic insights into business development and regulatory compliance approaches, ensuring alignment with ongoing policy shifts.

The private equity firm was able to proactively manage emerging risks and navigate the evolving regulatory landscape with greater confidence. The firm is now more actively engaged in policymaking and regulatory reform, contributing to discussions that influence the future of the private equity industry in the UK. This shift in engagement has not only improved the firm’s standing with key stakeholders but has also led to the establishment of a new function within the company—an intelligence team feeding critical insights into business development and regulatory compliance processes. The firm is now better positioned to anticipate regulatory changes, adapt to them more efficiently, and build stronger, more productive relationships with government officials, ultimately securing a more stable and sustainable future for its portfolio companies.