Working at a Private Equity Firm

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A private equity firm buys the ownership of a business which is not listed on the stock exchange and is able to turn the business around or to grow it. Private equity firms raise funds in the form of an investment fund with a specific structure, distribution system and then invest it into their chosen companies. Fund investors are referred to as Limited Partners, and the private equity firm is the General Partner responsible for purchasing and selling the targets to maximize profits on the fund.

PE firms are often critiqued for being uncompromising and pursuing profits at any cost, but they are armed with extensive management experience that enables them to boost the value of portfolio companies through improving operations and supporting functions. They can, for example help guide a new executive team through the best practices in financial strategy and corporate strategy and assist in the implementation of streamlined accounting, IT, and procurement systems to reduce costs. They can also identify operational efficiencies and boost revenue, which is just one way they can improve the value of their assets.

Private equity funds require millions of dollars to invest, and it can take them years to sell a business for a profit. In the end, the industry is highly illiquid.

Private equity firms require previous experience in finance or banking. Associate entry-level associates are responsible for due diligence and financials, while junior and senior associates are responsible for the relationships between the firm’s clients and the company. Compensation for these roles has been on an upward trend in recent years.