Financial Management & Corporate Finance Case Study

Silver Lake, The US Private Equity Firm: Expansion Strategies in Europe

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Abstract:
After tasting success in technology buyouts in the US, private equity firm Silver Lake Partners turned its focus towards Europe. Europe, with its undervalued firms and higher returns supported by growing capital markets, was regarded as one of the richest private equity hunting grounds. However, critics were of the opinion that Silver Lake faces serious challenges in Europe because of speculative overshooting in bids, high rates of borrowing and the firm's focus only on technology-related firms for investing.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To discuss the investment strategies adopted by Silver Lake and its increased focus on Europe.

Keywords : Silver Lake partners, Private equity firms, Finance Case Study, Leveraged buyout, Investment strategies, Capital structure, Acquisitions, Investment auctions, Partner of choice, Expansion strategies, Private equity in Europe, Ownership pattern, Family-owned businesses, Diversification