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The risk appetite of private equity sponsors

Author

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  • Braun, Reiner
  • Engel, Nico
  • Hieber, Peter
  • Zagst, Rudi

Abstract

Using a unique proprietary data set of 460 realized buyouts completed between 1990 and 2005, we examine the risk appetite of private equity (PE) sponsors in different states of the PE market and analyze key determinants of deal-level equity risk. We develop a new approach to mathematically model PE investment equity risk based on the Black-Cox default model. We find higher equity volatilities during boom periods. Further, deals conducted by more reputed PE sponsors have lower equity volatilities as they are unwilling to imperil their reputation by taking excessive risks. In addition, we find that PE sponsors' risk appetite is negatively related to the ownership stake in the buyout target company.

Suggested Citation

  • Braun, Reiner & Engel, Nico & Hieber, Peter & Zagst, Rudi, 2011. "The risk appetite of private equity sponsors," Journal of Empirical Finance, Elsevier, vol. 18(5), pages 815-832.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:empfin:v:18:y:2011:i:5:p:815-832
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jempfin.2011.07.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Braun, Reiner & Jenkinson, Tim & Stoff, Ingo, 2017. "How persistent is private equity performance? Evidence from deal-level data," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 123(2), pages 273-291.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Risk appetite; Equity volatility; Private equity;

    JEL classification:

    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance

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