I thought that the private equity guys were still doing well....guess not. http://www.finalternatives.com/node/6045 Private Equity Sours Along With U.S. Economy November 11, 2008 The U.S. private equity industry is suffering along with the rest of U.S. economy. According to new findings by research firm PitchBook Data, deal flow declined 34% in the first three quarters and inflows dropped by 57% from $354.5 billion to $152.3 billion from the same period last year. Despite the industryâs dramatic declines from 2007, the first three quarters of 2008 remained relatively strong compared to historical levels, according to the study. The amount invested through the third quarter of 2008, $152.3 billion, was the third-highest on record, behind the record-breaking 2007 and the $160 billion invested during the same period in 2006. The median size of p.e. deals this year is a more conservative $66 million, compared to $76 million in 2007. The median size of leveraged buyout deals dropped more significantly, from $106.5 million in 2007 to $82 million, a 23% decline. âThere is no disputing that the current economic environment is hindering private equity deal flow as credit for LBOs has become increasingly difficult to secure,â said John Gabbert, CEO of PitchBook. âThe private equity industry is going through a correction as it returns to pre-bubble transaction levels, valuations and deal terms.â
They are doing just fine from the salaries & bonuses they have collected and maybe still collecting. Now if you are an investor with capital still in lock up period with one of these sham operations, well, tough luck.