Here's why I think Excel is here to stay.

(And if you disagree I want to hear from you)

So the other day I'm working on a "roll-up" model...

🟢 Btw...


▪️a "roll-up" means one company is buying several other companies

▪️the first company is usually called the "platform"

▪️the other companies are usually called the "add-ons"

🟢 ...and this model has:

▪️the platform financials

▪️several add-on financials

▪️ tons of support schedules

🟢 ...and we need to show:

▪️different (or simultaneous) closing dates for each "add-on"

▪️possible contingent payments (like earnouts)

▪️possible refis (as part of the closing)

▪️different ownership structures for several add-ons

🟢 AND we need to show...

▪️what the new business will look like "rolled up"

▪️what it would have looked like had we owned it the whole time (often called "pro forma")

▪️new revenue or expenses post-closing (often called "synergies")

▪️ several other views & summaries

🟢 So I'm saying in my head...

"There's no way that software exists today to model this level of complexity and nuance. The flexibility of Excel is what makes this possible."

🟢 Now with that said...

▪️I've spoken with several people working on some amazing finance software.

▪️And I'm like "damn, this stuff is just incredible."

▪️I saw some awesome FP&A software just this week.

▪️But, I don't know if anything exists that can factor in the complexity of some of these buyout or "roll-up" models.

🟢 So, let me ask you:

▪️ (1) Is anyone out there working on software like this??

▪️If so I would love to chat.

▪️ (2) What do you think — is Excel here to stay?

—Chris

If and when the time is right, I offer refreshingly straightforward Financial Modeling Courses for FP&A and Private Equity Professionals that have been recognized all over the world.  Check them out if you're interested (if not, that's cool too 👍).  Just click here.