Exit strategy General
Definition
The method used to realize an investment.
Comments
Exit strategies can include an IPO, recapitalization, merger, sale to another private group (secondary buyout), or sale to a strategic buyer.
The most common exit strategy for large portfolio companies tend to be IPOs. This is a result of the limited number of deep pocketed suitors that can afford multi-billion dollar acquisitions. A recent example includes Ford Motor's 2005 sale of rental-car company Hertz Corp. to Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Inc., The Carlyle Group, and Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity for $15 billion. The investor consortium partially exited their investment in Hertz with the Company's 2006 IPO.For smaller transactions, selling to a strategic buyer is often preferred as it can allow a full cash exit. A recent example includes private equity firm AEA Investors' 2007 sale of personal care products company Burt's Bees to Clorox Corp. for $925 million. AEA purchased their 80% stake in Burt's Bees for $173 million in 2004.For profiles of 1,400+ private equity firms, including portfolio and professional info, please consider a free 30-day trial membership.
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