For private equity firms and investors, the focus doesn't end at acquisition. Creating sustainable enterprise value requires identifying new opportunities for growth, improving operational performance and positioning portfolio companies for stronger exits.

International expansion is one of the most effective yet often underutilised value creation levers. Whether entering new markets, accessing talent, optimising operating models or preparing businesses for future investment, global growth can significantly increase both enterprise value and investor returns when approached with the right strategy.

However, expanding internationally introduces a range of commercial, financial, legal and operational considerations. Understanding where the opportunities lie, how to minimise risk and how to execute effectively can be the difference between value creation and value erosion.

Join Andrew Fahey and James Dietrich as they explore how investors, operating partners and portfolio company leadership teams can use international expansion as a strategic driver of growth throughout the investment lifecycle.

During this session we'll explore:

-Identify where international expansion creates the greatest value: Understand how global growth can accelerate revenue, improve EBITDA, increase valuation multiples and strengthen exit readiness.

-Reduce expansion risk through effective planning: Learn the common commercial, tax, employment and compliance challenges investors should consider before entering new markets.

-Support portfolio companies with scalable international operations: Discover how the right operational foundations enable businesses to expand quickly while maintaining governance and control.

-Use global growth as a competitive advantage throughout the investment lifecycle: Explore how international expansion can support investment theses, accelerate post-acquisition value creation and maximise investor returns.

This webinar is exclusively aimed at private equity firms, investors, operating partners, portfolio company executives and non-executive directors looking to unlock greater value through international growth.

About the Speakers

Andrew Fahey, Chief Executive Officer, Briars

Andrew Fahey is the CEO of Briars, a leading provider of global expansion services that have been dedicated to supporting organisations in expanding their operations internationally for over 30 years helping over 3000 companies expand their footprint into 150 different countries.

As CEO of Briars Group, he spearheads the company's strategic direction, focusing on global operations, innovation, and customer-centric growth. Prior to joining Briars, Andrew spent over 20 years leading a large professional services company, where he oversaw a diverse portfolio including a large accountancy practice, an IR35 specialist law firm, a financial services business, and a UK umbrella company. Most recently serving as a global leader for an EOR provider, gaining invaluable insights into the complexities of international operations. 

With over 20 years of leadership experience in high-growth, technology-enabled businesses, working alongside US-based private equity firms such as TPG and The Riverside Group, he understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with managing a diverse portfolio looking to expand globally. Andrew has a strong track record in leading private equity backed businesses from overseeing multiple private equity deals, raising significant funding, and has expertise in public markets pilot fishing. His experience includes acquisitions, international mergers and leadership roles across EMEA, APAC, and North America 

Andrew has a strong background guiding entrepreneurs and executives through the complexities of global expansion allows him to provide significant insights for investors, NED’s and PE firms with a passion to expand globally to enjoy the benefits it brings.

James Dietrich, Director of Growth, Briars

James Dietrich is Director of Growth at Briars, helping investors, private equity-backed businesses and high-growth organisations unlock international growth opportunities across global markets.

With more than 15 years' experience in international business, James has advised organisations on expanding into North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, supporting businesses at every stage of their global growth journey. His expertise spans market entry strategy, international workforce solutions, global employment, compliance, entity establishment and operational expansion, enabling organisations to scale with confidence across multiple jurisdictions.

Working closely with investors, operating partners and executive leadership teams, James combines strategic commercial insight with practical delivery, helping portfolio companies accelerate growth, reduce expansion risk and build scalable international operations that drive long-term enterprise value and stronger investor returns.