Q1. What are some measurable benefits from private equity ownership of corporations? Q2. What were the World Economic Forum's principal conclusions regarding private equity firms? Q3. What were the principal perceived benefits for the PE consortium's acquisition of TXU? Q4. In hindsight, what were some of the errors committed by the buyout group for TXU? Q5. What were the principal risks faced by the PE consortium when they made their bid to acquire HCA? Q6. What aspect of Harrah's business makes it not a good buyout target? Q7. What is the impact of highly leveraged deals on the portfolio companies' ability to compete in their industries? Q8. Describe the three main areas where private equity investments may bring value to corporations. Q9. Which of the three private equity value propositions for corporations has become most problematic in recent years? Q10. What is a benefit of having a financial buyer versus a strategic buyer in an M&A transaction? Q11. Describe the benefits of the private-equity ownership model versus public ownership and family-ownership. Q12. Based on the description of the ideal buyout target in the beginning of the section titled Corporate Rationale for Private Equity Transaction, which of the companies described in the section "Private Equity Portfolio Companies Purchased During 2006- 2007" were the most suitable buyout targets?