Risks and Perils in LBO Transactions

Abstract

In this study we analyze the risks and perils arising from LBO transactions, in order to consider the impact of private equity in this category of transactions. From this perspective, focusing attention on 2,450 deals occurred during the period 2002-2011, our study adds to previous literature that has investigated the post-LBO operating performance and the factors that can determine the success of those deals. In particular, by running a multivariate regression analysis in order to test for different research hypothesis proposed by literature dealing with the determinants of LBO deals, we confirm the validity of the assets stripping hypothesis, even if we find evidence that the presence of private equity, among other factors, can help to mitigate that peril. We find evidence that, especially in the short term, enterprises suffer from a slight deterioration in operating performance compared to their situation before the buyout. Moreover, under specific circumstances, enterprises experience a slight improvement in the ability to generate cash. Finally, we find positive evidence about the presence of private equity investors, which are mainly able to promote the growth of firms, as well as to increase the capability to generate cash, rather than generate positive effects on the level of employment. At the same time, we find also evidence that the presence of private equity investors is a significant determinant of distress for firms involved in LBO transactions. Risks and Perils in LBO transactions AbstractIn this study we analyze the risks and perils arising from LBO transactions, in order to consider the impact of private equity in this category of transactions. From this perspective, focusing attention on 2,450 deals occurred during the period 2002-2011, our study adds to previous literature that has investigated the post-LBO operating performance and the factors that can determine the success of those deals. In particular, by running a multivariate regression analysis in order to test for different research hypothesis proposed by literature dealing with the determinants of LBO deals, we confirm the validity of the assets stripping hypothesis, even if we find evidence that the presence of private equity, among other factors, can help to mitigate that peril. We find evidence that, especially in the short term, enterprises suffer from a slight deterioration in operating performance compared to their situation before the buyout. Moreover, under specific circumstances, enterprises experience a slight improvement in the ability to generate cash. Finally, we find positive evidence about the presence of private equity investors, which are mainly able to promote the growth of firms, as well as to increase the capability to generate cash, rather than generate positive effects on the level of employment. At the same time, we find also evidence that the presence of private equity investors is a significant determinant of distress for firms involved in LBO transactions. JEL Codes: G32, G34

Private Equity as an Alternative Corporate Restructuring Scheme: Does Private Equity Increase the Operating Performance of PE-Backed Firms?

“…The critics against private equity argue that private equity opportunistically attempt to obtain profits in the short-term at the expense of long-term growth potentials of the firms they acquire by either stripping assets or reducing investments, cutting large numbers of jobs, and raising leverages for tax benefits (Capizzi et al 2014). We examined the effects of private equity on investment activity, leverage, and employments for the firms they invest in Korea.…”