Aqil Sohail, Finance Expert in New York, NY, United States
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Aqil Sohail

Verified Expert  in Finance

Finance Expert

Location
New York, NY, United States
Toptal Member Since
April 13, 2020

Aqil is an entrepreneur and a specialist advisor to private equity firms, family offices, and companies. As a 10-year professional with extensive experience in the retail and consumer sectors, he has worked as a principal investor and consultant to add value to portfolio companies. He freelances to expand his circle of competence and leverages his extensive experience as an investor and consultant to deliver value through the Toptal network.

Business Plan ConsultingFinancial ForecastingFinancial ModelingValuationPrivate EquityMergers & Acquisitions (M&A)Interim CFOCommercial Real EstateReal EstateVenture Capital

Career Highlights

Freelance Private Equity Specialist
ACEQAP, LLC.
Senior Associate
CCMP Capital Advisors
Associate
Lazard

Education Highlights

Bachelor's Degree
London School of Economics

Certification Highlights

RPT Master Professional Tennis Coach
RPT

Case Studies

Work Experience

Freelance Private Equity Specialist

2019 - PRESENT
ACEQAP, LLC.
  • Founded ACEQAP LLC and opened offices in London and New York.
  • Advised a family office in the acquisition of a Chinese distributor and then a management buyout of a Swiss luxury cosmeceutical skincare brand. Co-invested personally alongside the family office in the transaction.
  • Hired as a specialist consultant to global private equity firm Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, assisting in the execution of bolt-on acquisitions and debt recapitalizations.
  • Advised LLCP during the successful fundraising of a €400 million European fund.
Focus areas: Private Equity

Investment Manager (Vice President)

2018 - 2019
CBPE Capital
  • Completed the restructuring of business across various functions with responsibilities that included leading detailed financial analysis and execution, and helping drive a loss-making company to profitability.
  • Executed multiple leveraged buyout deals in healthcare and industrial technology sectors and held a board position with an occupational healthcare services provider.
  • Developed the investment theses and coordinated buy-side due diligence for transactions, including a complex carve-out of a US subsidiary.
Focus areas: Private Equity

Senior Associate

2016 - 2018
CCMP Capital Advisors
  • Focused on sourcing and executing upper middle-market leveraged buyout transactions in the retail, consumer, and leisure sectors.
  • Oversaw operational and financial diligence, including building the financial model, assessing the addressable market and competitive landscape, and conducting negotiations with senior lenders for the investment in Pure Gym.
  • Led the sale process for Pure Gym, which was in a dual-track IPO process, successfully exiting to Leonard Green Partners in November 2017 for $780 million.
  • Held board positions and provided strategic advice to portfolio companies, including Pure Gym and Volotea, a low-cost Spanish airline.
Focus areas: Private Equity

Associate

2014 - 2016
B&B Investment Partners (Walgeens Boots Alliance Investment Vehicle)
  • Identified market-leading consumer brands in niche categories across the health and wellness space, and led successful investments in various beauty and nutrition brands.
  • Invested in three brands, leading buy-side due diligence and managing the portfolio as a board member for investments in Aromatherapy Associates, PhD Nutrition, and The Protein Works.
  • Seconded to Aromatherapy Associates for one year as the interim finance and supply chain director, working as the right-hand man to a new CEO to improve operational performance.
Focus areas: Direct to Consumer (D2C), Consumer Health, Consumer Trends, Private Equity

Associate

2010 - 2014
Lazard
  • Executed numerous transactions as a member of the mergers and acquisitions team, working with strategic and financial buyers.
  • Coordinated due diligence for both sell-side processes as well as successful initial public offerings.
  • Built detailed financial models and operating models in an advisory capacity for clients, providing advice on capital structure optimization.
Focus areas: Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
2007 - 2010

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Finance

London School of Economics - United Kingdom

JULY 2010 - PRESENT

RPT Master Professional Tennis Coach

RPT

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