As tariff volatility continues to challenge portfolio company margins, private equity firms and their PortCos are working to react swiftly and plan proactively. In navigating a quickly-changing landscape, firms with the right level of visibility, accountability, and executional rigor can turn a reactive challenge into a proactive edge.

Accordion recently shared a great 5-step checklist for navigating these challenges focused on optimizing costs and protecting portfolio value [you can read it here]. In this companion post, we explore how firms can operationalize that strategy — turning data and high-level plans into trackable, reportable, and repeatable action.

A Practical Look at Tariff Response Execution

The following is a practical look at tariff response execution and how value creation platforms support that process. Here’s how some of our clients and their PortCos are using Maestro to track and report on tariff exposure and execute on the associated initiatives:

1. Establish a Clear View of Exposure

A VCM platform centralizes data across the portfolio, and can surface SKU-level and supplier-level exposure in real-time dashboards. Operating Partners can build customizable views that map tariff impact to revenue, margin, and geography — enabling better-informed decisions, faster.

• Example: Use Maestro’s embedded BI tools to pull in sourcing data and segment by region or tariff category. Use dashboards to slice data by region, product line, or tariff type so you know exactly where to focus across the portfolio.

2. Conduct a Risk/Impact Analysis

Leverage scenario modeling to assess both first- and second-order effects of tariffs on operating models. Have the relevant PortCo leadership and Operation teams collaborate directly within the platform to align on priorities, mitigate silos and speed up action.

• Example: Launch a standardized risk assessment framework across all affected portfolio companies leveraging Maestro’s surveys and assessment templates. Compare risk apples to apples – it’s fast, it’s structured, and gets everyone aligned — without a million meetings.

3. Identify and Manage Optimization Opportunities

Whether it’s reshoring, supplier diversification, or product redesign, Maestro helps track and manage these initiatives from idea to implementation. The platform helps ensure each opportunity is scoped, resourced, and measured with clear KPIs.

• Example: Use initiative tracking to thoroughly evaluate the ROI of supplier diversification and accurately report on cost savings. Tie each and every initiative to KPIs like cost or time-to-implement so you can measure impact directly you go.

4. Develop & Execute a Mitigation Plan

Turn mitigation strategies into action plans within Maestro’s workflows and project management tools. Assign owners, goals and tasks, set timelines, and monitor milestones across individual PortCos or the wider portfolio. Real-time status views ensure Operating Partners can provide any needed support/ resources before issues escalate.

• Example: Monitor progress of new logistics or pricing strategy changes via real-time dashboards and provide cross-functional team updates. Set up milestone check-ins so you can quickly see which PortCos are on track and which ones need support.

5. Communicate with Key Stakeholders

Keep internal and external stakeholders in the loop and aligned with automated reporting and communication workflows. Whether it’s board updates, LP reports, or internal syncs, Maestro simplifies and standardizes stakeholder communications.

Generate real-time reports showing tariff initiative status and risk reduction metrics. Use Maestro’s reporting tools to create a “tariff risk and response” snapshot you can plug into your next board deck or LP update.

Tariffs are unpredictable — but your response doesn’t have to be. With Maestro, PE firms and their PortCo’s can move from reactive to proactive – scan for opportunities, align teams, execute with confidence and keep all stakeholders informed.

Want to see how Maestro can help your team put these steps into action? Let’s talk.

Useful Resources:

• Insight: 5 ways PE sponsors and PE-backed Companies can mitigate trade tariffs [Accordion]
• Navigating tariff challenges: A 5-step PE checklist to optimize costs and protect portfolio value [Accordion]

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