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Extended PE hold periods: Sustaining value creation when exits move

Extended hold periods don't have to derail your strategy. Download our guide to understand your options and move forward with confidence. 

Extended hold periods can create real pressure – on cash flow, investor and employee relationships, and long-term planning. We've seen it firsthand, and we know the right moves can make all the difference.

This guide walks you through what to expect, what risks to watch for, and how to adapt your playbooks, communication, and partnership models to sustain momentum and deliver returns even when the finish line keeps moving.

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What's inside?

    • Why extended hold periods are becoming more common – yet rarely planned for
    • How later-phase value creation differs from early-phase: Priorities and risks
    • Strategies for maintaining stakeholder confidence during uncertainty
    • When a delayed exit might be the best move
    • Plus, tools to review with your teams: Failure Mode Checklist and Reflection Questions

This guide is designed for private equity professionals who are managing through periods of illiquidity and want a clearer picture of what to do next. Start navigating with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

CohnReznick works with sponsors, operating partners, and portfolio company management across the investment lifecycle, helping them navigate complex financial and operational challenges. Our team brings deep industry knowledge and a practical, straightforward approach to every engagement.

  • An extended hold period occurs when an investment is held beyond its originally planned timeline, often due to market conditions, liquidity constraints, or strategic timing decisions. It can affect distributions, valuations, and investor expectations.

  • Today’s drivers often include competition, gaps in valuation expectations, and sector-specific market disruptions like tech transformation and macroeconomic shocks.

  • The risks vary depending on asset class and structure, but they may include failures in prioritization, communication, or internal alignment, among other breakdowns. The guide walks through how to assess and manage them.

  • Our team works with sponsors to evaluate their options and chart their next path forward during periods of uncertainty.

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