Common Industry Sectors at PE firms

Large PE shops such as KKR, Carlyle, Blackstone must have portfolio companies all across the industry sectors, but what I'm interested in finding out is what are the most common industry sectors at MM PE firms?

Say, the PE firm you'd like to join has industry focuse on industrial, consumer & retail, and healthcare. I'd think having prior IB experience in any of those industries would help your performance at PE firm, but does it give you any benefit landing a job as well?

Does PE firms hire IB analysts who does not have any experience in those industry sectors they serve?

Thanks in advance.

11 Comments
 
Best Response

I think MM PE firms will hire pre-MBA analysts that don't have a specific expertise because they expect you to come in with the modeling skills and to be relatively smart.

I think it would definitely help your case if you worked in a Healthcare group and were applying to a PE fund that specialized in Healthcare investments, but I think most MM PE Funds are focused on the fit, intellect and financial ability of the candidates rather than any specific industry expertise. (at least that is my impression)

For a fund that is strictly focused on one specific niche and/or industry this might be different, however.

 

nothing is really "safe"

healthcare tends to be the most resilient.

does your bb do distressed M&A?

focusing on doing a good job in whatever group u end up in and ask ur mds for PE recos.

The world has changed. And we must change with it.

------------ I'm making it up as I go along.
 

private education has been in play for a while, healthcare has been also if you look at services (insurance/claims handling/etc.) as well as specialty device and component mfg.

collection services had reared its head a couple years back but I haven't heard much on it since - wouldn't be surprised if there is an interest there - although I don't think there is much of a market outside of the lower middle-market.

wouldn't be surprised if an increased area of focus (either due to new funds or a broadened focus) is picking up companies in or immediately post BK - not necessarily industry specific. for the tried and true PE, I think alphaholic is probably on the right track.

 

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