from industry experts and links to advanced literature that provides a nuanced view of the industry and will allow them to engage with other professionals, be they lawyers, bankers, consultants or partners of PE firms, in a meaningful way.
Ensuring that our readers develop a sound understanding of PE before diving into more controversial aspects of the industry was a clear goal from the outset; it defined the flow and the logic of the chapters. The book's structure allows the expert reader to use the book as a quick reference with easily retrievable highlights of the best practices employed in the industry; it also allows observers of the industry and students to work through the topics step by step and take advantage of the many resources and cross-references to other finance topics.
Overall the chapters are grouped into five sections:
SECTION I offers a high-level introduction to PE to ensure that we speak the same language and use appropriate industry terms and definitions throughout the book. It puts venture capital, growth equity and leveraged buyouts into context and describes several alternative PE investment strategies such as distressed investing and real estate.
SECTION II looks in greater detail at PE investment processes, starting with deal sourcing, due diligence and target valuation before exploring deal pricing considerations and the actual structuring of PE deals. It also includes a thorough coverage of transaction documentation.
SECTION III asks: What do PE and venture funds do with their portfolio companies during the holding period? How will they transform these businesses and prepare them for exit?
SECTION IV describes the key dynamics involved in raising a PE fund. We step into the shoes of global institutional investors in PE to examine their demands with regard to reporting and portfolio customization.
SECTION V builds on the understanding gained in the previous chapters and takes a closer look at recent developments in the industry, from direct and co-investment programs to the fast-growing secondaries markets and the recent rise of listed PE funds. In the closing chapter the authors comment on the industry's development and explore key themes that will shape private equity and venture capital in the years ahead.
Additional material to complement this book and connect it to the case book Private Equity in Action – Case Studies from Developed and Emerging Markets can be found on the companion website:
www.masteringprivateequity.com
SECTION I
PRIVATE EQUITY OVERVIEW
The first section of the book provides readers with a high-level introduction to the institutional private equity (PE) market – from early-stage venture capital to growth equity and buyouts, plus a brief description of several alternative PE strategies. While buyouts have historically accounted for the vast majority of global PE capital deployed,2 venture capital and growth equity investment activity has steadily increased as the industry matured over the past decades (see Exhibit A).
Exhibit A: Total PE Industry Capital Deployed by Strategy
Source: Preqin
Section I is by far the least technical part of this book, intended to familiarize newcomers with the asset class and the concept of investing institutional capital in private companies in return for equity stakes. While crucial for readers new to PE, professionals familiar with the industry may choose to move directly to later sections of the book.
SECTION OVERVIEW
CHAPTER 1. PRIVATE EQUITY ESSENTIALS: This chapter defines the traditional limited partnership fund model, specifically the players involved, a fund’s investment lifecycle, and typical fund economics and fee structures. To be clear, our work refers to the organized PE market, i.e., professionally-managed equity investments by specialized intermediaries (PE firms) and their institutional backers; it excludes other forms of “informal” private capital investments.
CHAPTER 2. VENTURE CAPITAL: Venture capital (VC) generally flows into early-stage companies – start-ups – that offer high risk/high return investment opportunities. We introduce the different types of venture investors (business angels, start-up incubators and accelerators, VC funds, and corporate VCs) and explain the use of VC at different points in a company’s development, from proof-of-concept to commercialization and scaling up. Both aspiring entrepreneurs as well as future venture investors will find this chapter useful.
CHAPTER 3. GROWTH EQUITY: Acquiring minority equity stakes in fast-growing companies is the focus of growth equity funds. Managing multiple stakeholders without a control position is a key challenge for these funds; establishing a productive working relationship with existing managers and owners is therefore a key determinant of success. This chapter is particularly relevant for readers interested in PE in emerging markets.
CHAPTER 4. BUYOUTS: Buyout funds acquire controlling equity stakes in mature and sometimes listed target companies, often employing ample amounts of debt in leveraged buyouts (LBOs). The skillset required to execute large LBOs and drive value post-investment differs from that needed for growth equity or VC: it requires both financial and process management skills, combined with the ability to create operational value in the portfolio firms.
CHAPTER 5. ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES: In the final chapter of this section, we explore alternative PE strategies focused on investing in distressed businesses and real assets. The former requires unique skills to restructure and improve a company’s operations (turnaround) or its balance sheet (distressed debt), while the latter describes a range of strategies (investing in real estate, infrastructure, and natural resources) that use a PE operating model and adapt it to distinct industry verticals.
1
PRIVATE EQUITY ESSENTIALS
At some point in their development, all companies will need either a helping hand or a shot in the arm. A fresh injection of capital or external managerial expertise is often necessary to help organizations overcome developmental challenges, realize their full potential and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Start-ups hunt for the visionary capital that will enable them to turn a concept into a launched product. Mature companies are increasingly subject to market disruption, increased competition or pressure to update manufacturing processes and corporate governance structures. Companies that have been performing poorly for a prolonged period of time need to identify and then rectify the problems that confront them. Family businesses must honestly address succession planning (“it is only but three generations from shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves”3).
The needs and demands of businesses at such critical inflection points often exceed the capabilities and services provided by the established financial institutions and consulting firms. Capital markets, for instance, are unlikely to offer a solution for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Into this void steps private equity (PE) in the form of venture, growth, and buyout funds, at its best offering patient and long-term capital, dedicated expert advice and hands-on operational support.
In the last four decades PE has emerged as the transformation agent of choice for companies seeking change; at times, it is the only choice for a business in need of capital and a risk-sharing partner to facilitate future growth. The PE ecosystem has grown dramatically during that time; as of 2015 the industry (including its alternative strategies
