Why Brent Beshore’s Permanent Equity is Transforming Private Equity

3 min readSep 8, 2024

In an industry known for short-term thinking and financial engineering, Brent Beshore’s Permanent Equity stands out as a transformative force in private equity.

Founded in 2007, Permanent Equity takes a radically different approach to investing that is reshaping how private equity can operate and create value.

Let’s explore why Permanent Equity’s model is so disruptive and impactful.

The Permanent Equity Difference

Truly Long-Term Focus

Unlike traditional PE firms that aim to buy, improve, and sell companies within 3–7 years, Permanent Equity invests with a 30+ year time horizon. They have no intention of selling their portfolio companies. This allows them to make decisions that create sustainable long-term value rather than chasing short-term gains.

Patient Capital

Permanent Equity raises 30-year committed funds from investors. This patient capital allows them to weather economic cycles and avoid pressure to make hasty exits. They can support companies through ups and downs.

Minimal Use of Debt

While most PE firms rely heavily on leverage, Permanent Equity rarely uses debt in their deals. This reduces financial risk and allows companies to reinvest cash flow into growth rather than debt service.

Focus on Boring but Profitable Businesses

They target “boring” but stable businesses in industries like manufacturing, distribution, and professional services. This contrarian approach finds value in overlooked areas.

Alignment with Founders

By not planning to sell, Permanent Equity aligns with founders who care about their company’s long-term future. This attracts sellers who want their legacy preserved.

Operational Expertise

With their long-term view, Permanent Equity can invest deeply in operational improvements and talent development at portfolio companies.

Why It’s Transformative

Redefining “Private Equity”

Permanent Equity shows PE can be patient, responsible capital focused on long-term value creation rather than financial engineering.

Attracting Different Sellers

Their model appeals to founders who wouldn’t normally consider PE, expanding the investable universe.

Sustainable Value Creation

The long-term focus incentivizes building truly sustainable businesses rather than short-term window dressing.

Talent Development

With no plans to sell, they can invest in developing talent and leadership for the long haul.

Economic Stability

By avoiding excessive debt and focusing on steady businesses, this model promotes economic stability.

Proving an Alternative Model Works

Permanent Equity’s success demonstrates to the broader PE industry that patient, responsible investing can generate strong returns.

Brent Beshore’s Permanent Equity is transforming private equity by proving there’s a better way to invest in and grow private businesses.

Their patient capital, long-term focus, and alignment with founders offer a compelling alternative to traditional PE models.

As they continue to succeed, Permanent Equity is reshaping expectations of what private equity can and should be — a force for sustainable value creation and responsible capitalism.