Cross-border expectations: connecting Quebec operators with North American investors

Quebec-based middle-market businesses operating within North American private equity structures face a unique set of challenges. The cultural expectations, communication styles, and business rhythms that work well in Montreal or Quebec City do not always translate directly to the expectations of a US-based PE sponsor or an international board.

This is not about one approach being better than the other. It is about understanding the differences and building bridges that allow both sides to work effectively together. In our experience, the most common friction points are around reporting cadence and detail, decision-making speed, and the balance between relationship-based and process-based management styles.