What is private equity ?
Private equity (PE) is an investment strategy where funds pool capital from institutional investors to directly invest in companies. This involves buying out existing shareholders or providing growth capital, with the aim of improving operations and selling at a profit. Key features include long-term investments, active ownership, diverse strategies, and a clear exit strategy. Types of PE include leveraged buyouts, venture capital, growth equity, mezzanine financing, and secondaries. Private equity firms play roles in due diligence, deal structuring, operational improvement, financial management, and exit planning. Benefits of PE include economic growth, job creation, and operational expertise, while criticisms include high debt loads, short-term focus, and potential negative labor impacts.