How can investors attract deals on better terms?
Short answer: For a niche investor, Richard C. Wilson says the reason a seller chooses you matters alongside your capital. He points to Oprah Winfrey's Weight Watchers deal and Warren Buffett's railroad deal as cases where buyers were wanted for strategic reasons, then asks what specific deals might come to you first.
Richard C. Wilson speaks at a Family Office Club event, discussing how he studies billionaire investors and sharing Howard Marks's approach to attracting deals.
Richard C. Wilson on Howard Marks's reputation
Richard C. Wilson says Howard Marks's team relies on its reputation to attract deals where it can add strategic value. He says the team can set its own terms when those deals come to them. (at 16:33)
Richard C. Wilson on niche deal flow
Richard C. Wilson says investors can seek prequalified deals in a niche where they have a unique position. He says that may let them negotiate a better valuation. (at 16:59)
Richard C. Wilson on strategic buyers
Richard C. Wilson says investors may be sought for strategic reasons. He cites Oprah Winfrey's Weight Watchers deal and Warren Buffett's railroad deal as examples. (at 16:33)
"they like to sit on their hands and then because of their reputation attract a deal that they could add strategic value to."
From Richard's exclusive Billionaires.com interviews
Lessons from Richard C. Wilson's one-on-one interviews, as published on each interview page.
- Binod K. Chaudhary: Never chase a deal out of desperation. Stay cool and look at every part of the deal. Have your advisers and your finance team review it critically. Your counsel should review it too.
- Serg Bell: Success comes from many decisions. He does not see business as one winning bet. He sees it as a long game, like poker or bridge, built on many smart choices over time.
- Tim Draper: Make your customers your sales force. Hotmail put a message at the bottom of the screen inviting people to get free email. It spread to 11 million users.
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Frequently asked questions
How can investors attract deals on better terms?
For a niche investor, Richard C. Wilson says the reason a seller chooses you matters alongside your capital. He points to Oprah Winfrey's Weight Watchers deal and Warren Buffett's railroad deal as cases where buyers were wanted for strategic reasons, then asks what specific deals might come to you first.
What does Howard Marks say about market risk?
Richard C. Wilson says Marks sees discounted assets as potentially less risky when people are cautious, because money can go farther. (15:41)
What types of deals could fit this approach?
Richard C. Wilson names a manufacturing deal, a cannabis deal or a very specific type of venture capital deal. (16:59)
Sources
Quotes are copied from the video captions and checked against the transcript. Timestamps link to the moment in the video. General information only, not legal, tax or investment advice.