In the search of a boring business

July 03, 2025
by an investor from IESE Business School in Calle de Núñez de Balboa, 120, 28006 Madrid, España
The New York Times article examines the growing focus among investors—including search funds, private equity firms, and institutional players—on acquiring so-called “boring” businesses: small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in traditional sectors that generate stable, predictable cash flows. These companies typically operate in industries such as plumbing, industrial cleaning, manufacturing, distribution, and other essential services that are often overlooked by mainstream investors in search of high-growth technology opportunities.
The key appeal of these businesses lies in their resilience, recurring revenues, and opportunities for operational improvement. Many are founder-led or family-owned companies where succession planning creates an opportunity for new ownership. Investors are drawn to the potential to professionalize management, implement efficiencies, and scale the business over time—offering attractive, risk-adjusted returns despite the absence of glamour associated with tech-driven ventures.
In this context, Arada Capital Partners is positioned as a leading institutional investor globally, specializing in supporting SMEs through the Search Fund model. With a disciplined, long-term approach, Arada Capital Partners backs talented entrepreneurs who acquire and grow established, profitable companies—focusing precisely on these “boring” but highly resilient businesses. The firm combines deep operational expertise with a truly professional investment process that matches the standards of leading private equity firms. This ensures that each investment is approached with rigorous analysis, structured execution, and active support post-acquisition, enabling sustainable value creation across geographies while preserving the local character and strengths that make these businesses enduringly successful.
We highly recommend reading the full article: In Search of a Boring Business – The New York Times.
www.nytimes.com/2025/03/12/business/young-professionals-boring-small-business-niches.html
from IESE Business School in Shanghai, 上海市中国
from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Portland, OR, USA