Making the most of private equity

Short-term fashion or sound investment? Private equity is currently under close scrutiny in the media. There are a variety of polarised views being expressed. Observers warn that the current surge of interest in private equity is causing ‘bubble amnesia’ and are cautioning investors to remember the dotcom sector of the late-1990s. They opine that there is a flood of money coming into private equity funds but too few deals to put the money to work (referred to as an ‘overhang’ – alongside lots of other intriguing jargon). From another perspective, trade unions offer sharp critiques of the industry, making allegations of short-termism and profiteering. UK workers are concerned that a move into private ownership means job losses and cuts to benefits. In the face of this controversy should the investor steer well clear?