What is Private Equity and commonly used terms?
Private Equity is an alternative investment class specializing in the acquisition and investment in privately held companies absent from public stock exchanges. Private Equity firms strategically acquire companies, implementing significant transformations to optimize profitability upon eventual resale.
This investment sector predominantly targets small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including the Dutch MKB, recognized as the core of the economic landscape. The essence of Private Equity lies in deploying equity capital into private companies, with investors acquiring stakes in anticipation of realizing appreciable value growth.
Funding for acquisitions arises from external investors participating in private equity funds established and managed by these firms, often complemented by debt financing. Noteworthy, is the rapid growth observed in the private equity industry.
How are Private Equity Companies managed?
Private equity funds are setup and managed by a private equity firm. These firms are often called General partner (GP). The GP assumes responsibility for all managerial decisions within the fund, demonstrating commitment by contributing a modest percentage (1-3%) of the fund’s capital—ensuring a vested interest.
Compensation for the GP includes a management fee, typically fixed at 2% of total fund assets, along with a carried interest (performance fee) which is often a 20% of fund profits. Limited partners, the investors in the private equity fund, have limited liability and no involvement in day-to-day management.
What is a General Partner/GP?
A General Partner (GP) is the fund manager, they have the authority on behalf of the private equity fund, making crucial management decisions independently. Their contribution lies in specialized knowledge and skills beneficial to the partnership.
What is a Limited Partner/LP?
Limited Partners assume the role of investors within the private equity fund, operating with limited liability and maintaining a passive role in fund management.
What is a Commitment?
This commitment is a contractual agreement between the investor (LPs) and the Fundmanager (GP). The key components of the commitment include:
Duration of Commitment
Private equity investments involve committing capital to a fund for a relatively long period, usually around 10 years or more. This extended timeframe is essential because strategies like leveraged buyouts and venture capital require time for strategic plans, operational improvements, and creating value in portfolio companies.
Capital Contributions
Investors, known as Limited Partners, commit to contributing a specific amount of capital to the private equity fund. This commitment is made upfront over the commitment period. It ensures that the fund has the financial resources needed to implement its investment strategy, acquire companies, and support portfolio companies as required.
What is a Capital Call?
A capital call is a request made by a private equity fund or investment partnership to its investors, for additional capital contributions. When the fund identifies new investment opportunities or requires additional funds for existing portfolio companies, it issues a capital call to the investors. Investors are then obligated to fulfill this call by providing the requested funds within a specified timeframe. Capital calls are a mechanism to ensure that the fund has the necessary liquidity to execute its investment strategy effectively.