Frequently Asked Questions

1. What services does 29Bison provide?

29Bison offers a range of human capital advisory services, specifically designed to support private equity firms and their portfolio companies. These include HR due diligence, culture assessment, talent management and succession planning, organizational design, leadership development, post-acquisition integration and a host of people operations (HR) services.

2. Who are 29Bison’s clients?

We work with acquirers in the middle market, including private equity firms and their portfolio companies and strategics. Our focus is on helping companies create value through effective people strategies, whether they're navigating mergers, acquisitions, or growth phases.

3. How does 29Bison help companies create value through human capital?

Our team specializes in aligning people strategies with investment theses and business objectives. We assess organizational structures, improve leadership teams, develop talent management programs, optimize people practices and company culture—all of which drive business growth and enhance overall value.

4. What is HR due diligence, and why is it important?

HR due diligence evaluates a target company’s human capital assets and people practices during mergers or acquisitions. 70-90% of deals fail to achieve their intended outcomes, largely because of issues related to leadership, people and culture.  At 29Bison, we help middle market acquirers, of all types, assess leadership, culture, compensation, benefits, and organizational risks, providing critical insights for making informed investment decisions.

5. How long does due diligence take?

Core due diligence, assessing people practices and compliance concerns, typically take 4-6 weeks to complete.  Timing is dependent on how quickly we can gather the data and documents necessary for us to complete the process.  We have been very successful in conducting core diligence in as few as 10 business day, with support from all parties.

6. How does 29Bison support post-acquisition integration?

We assist companies in integrating acquired businesses by aligning cultures, merging teams, and ensuring a smooth transition for leadership and employees. We aim to minimize disruption and maximize the long-term value of the combined entity.

7. What is the middle market, and why does 29Bison focus on this segment?

We define the middle market to include lower-middle market companies as well.  These are companies have annual revenues between $5 million and $1 billion.  We work with organizations as small as 5 employees and as large as a few thousand. We focus on this segment because these companies often face complex challenges as they scale, requiring tailored human capital strategies that larger firms may not need. We understand these unique dynamics and provide solutions that fit their specific needs.

8. What makes 29Bison different from other human capital advisory firms?

Our deep expertise in human capital, mergers and acquisitions and private equity allows us to offer highly specialized services. We take a holistic approach, combining strategic insight with tactical execution, and we work closely with clients to deliver measurable results that contribute to long-term success.

9. Can 29Bison help with leadership development?

Yes, leadership development is one of our core services. We help companies assess leadership capabilities, develop leadership programs, and provide coaching to ensure that leaders are equipped to drive business performance and growth.

10. Does 29Bison provide services outside of deal-making?

Yes, we often work with organizations on value creation and exit planning initiatives.  These can include conducting HR/People Operations audits, PEO (professional employer organization) search and implementation, salary administration and compensation benchmarking, organization design and succession planning, employee engagement, policy development, restructuring and downsizing, and other special projects.

11. What industries does 29Bison serve?

We work across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, technology, consumer goods, sustainable energy, professional services and others. Our expertise in human capital strategies applies to any industry where people are a key driver of business success.

12. How does 29Bison price their work?

Most of our work is done on a fixed-fee basis, scaled to the size, scope and complexity of your needs.  We believe in up-front, project-based pricing for work such as due diligence, executive assessments and leadership coaching.  Other work will typically be priced on a per-project basis, also specific to your needs.  

13. How can I get started with 29Bison?

To learn more or to explore how we can help your firm, please contact us via our website or call us directly. We’ll start with an initial consultation to understand your needs and determine how we can best support your organization.