Page 319 - James Caan - The Real Deal

31 · You Win Some, You Lose Some

would have felt undermined by me becoming his chairman, but he
has said to me that he has really enjoyed working with me.
Hamilton Bradshaw’s input has given his company new vigour,
new purpose and a clearer sense of direction, and it has been great
to see him and his team respond to the challenge. Within a year of
our investment, the profits had doubled and they look set to keep
on doubling in the future.
I’d love to be able to say that the way to double your profits
each year is x, but the truth is it’s not that straightforward.
Hamilton Bradshaw looks to find efficiencies in a business that will
ultimately deliver better returns, and we do that by looking at an
organisation from the ground up and assessing how every piece of
the company performs – the changes we suggest could come from
anywhere within the business, so that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all
formula.
Hamilton Bradshaw’s investments now extend from health clubs
to nursing homes to retailers and financial services. The firm’s
reputation within the industry has grown and, having developed a
successful model, we have now extended the model to Pakistan –
I have even advised the government there on its private equity
strategy – to provide expertise in a developing country that could
make a real difference to companies in Pakistan. I have a real sense
that, with private equity, I am doing exactly what I ought to be
doing: this business suits me perfectly and I thoroughly enjoy what
I do, especially now that technology means I’m no longer tied to
the office quite so much.
A few months ago I was on my yacht several miles out of
Cannes when I took a call on my BlackBerry. I was able to patch
through four other people for a conference call to hammer out a
deal. Then the legal document was sent to me, I amended it and
sent it back. And you know what? No one even knew I was on the
yacht. Advances in technology have made my working life so much
more efficient, and, although I can still work up to eighteen hours

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