Let's say there is a well-established manufacturing company that is facing financial challenges and struggling to expand its operations. A private equity firm identifies this opportunity and decides to invest in the company. The private equity firm raises funds from investors and acquires a significant ownership stake in the manufacturing company. After completing the acquisition, the private equity firm works closely with the company's management team to implement various strategies. They might introduce operational efficiencies, streamline processes, improve the supply chain, invest in research and development, or explore new market opportunities. Over a period of, let's say, five years, the private equity firm actively manages the company, making strategic decisions and providing resources to drive growth. They may bring in industry experts, provide financial support, and implement changes to improve the company's overall performance. Once the company has successfully undergone transformation and achieved growth targets, the private equity firm decides to exit its investment. They may choose to sell the company to another buyer, take it public through an initial public offering (IPO), or merge it with another company. If the company's value has increased significantly during the private equity firm's ownership period, the firm can generate substantial returns by selling its ownership stake at a higher valuation. These returns are then distributed among the private equity firm's investors, providing them with a profitable outcome. This example demonstrates how private equity firms invest in companies, actively manage them, and aim to create value through strategic and operational improvements, ultimately seeking to generate profitable returns for their investors. .

The four main areas within private equity are:

1. Venture Capital
2. Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs)
3. Growth Capital
4. Distressed Investments

Investors in private equity can include high-net-worth individuals, institutional investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, and foundations, as well as sovereign wealth funds.