Valuations Differences in Private Equity Funds, Mutual Funds, and Hedge Funds

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Over the last several years, the total number of investment options that investors have available to them, have increased dramatically. This is evident in the overall increase in the number of private equity funds, hedge funds and mutual funds. For example, the total number of private equity deals that were completed in the year 1970 was a total of 12 transactions accounting for $13 million of investment capital. In 2007, this number of transactions increased 2, 247 and accounted for a total of $70 billion in investment capital. (Shapiro, 2008) This is significant because it underscores the overall shift in the way that investors can make money, in an economy that is increasingly becoming more globalized. As a result, the prudent investor has a detailed understanding of the different investment vehicles available to them. Where, knowing how each one works can help to improve the overall returns of the investment strategy that is being utilized. To achieve this objective requires a careful understanding between the different asset classes of: private equity funds, hedge funds and mutual funds. Where, examining the way that each one works, when to most effectively utilize them and real world examples of the various investments; will provide the greatest insights at to differences in valuations between the three. Together, these different elements will highlight how all three investment vehicles are being increasingly used by a number of different investors around the world.

Private Equity Funds

A private equity fund is when a group of investors will pool their money together to purchase those companies that have been facing tremendous financial difficulties. Where, the private equity firm will seek to buy the business, then, the...

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