Repackaging
Candlefocus EditorWhen a private equity firm repackages a company, it often acquires the majority of the company's stock via a leveraged buyout. This means the firm borrows a substantial amount (often with debt financing) in order to purchase the company, assuming the risk that they will later need to pay back the loan with interest. The purchase price is often lower than the original stock price of the ailing company due to the risks associated with taking over a company in such dire straits.
Once the private equity firm owns the company, they can begin to restructure and revitalize the business in order to make it more profitable. This usually involves eliminating or merging non-profitable departments, or merging and merging with other companies to create cost efficiencies. The goal is to reduce costs and increase revenue, thus making the company more attractive to potential investors.
Once the repackaging of the company has been completed, the private equity firm can either sell the company back to the stock market in an IPO or private sale, or keep the company for themselves. If successful, the private equity firm can enjoy the newly increased financial stability of the company, and can even sell their interest for a profit.
Overall, repackaging in private equity operations can be a lucrative and profitable practice when done properly. By providing an opportunity to revitalize and rebuild a failing public company, private equity firms can reduce losses, increase profit potential, and even re-introduce the company to the stock market with a renewed sense of stability. Thus, repackaging in private equity operations can often times be an effective and cost-effective solution to ailing public companies.