Private Equity Case Study [with CIM]

Hi all,

I currently work as an analyst at a BB, and have an upcoming case study for an UMM / MF. I have been told that it is a 4h 45m long case followed by a 1h discussion on the case. I will be provided with a CIM (not sure if there will be a separate excel with financials) and have to make a model + a few IC memo outputs (template to be given). I wanted to check the following:

(a) Time management: How would you ideally split your time among reading, making the LBO model, and preparing the slides?

(b) Commercial judgment: What are some things in the CIM to absolutely look out for?

(c) LBO model: How much depth do they expect from the LBO model?

(d) Miscellaneous: How do you deal with assumptions that are not provided for? What if you get a specialized industry (e.g., FIG)?

Would really appreciate any insights. Thanks

4 Comments
 
[Comment removed by mod team]
 
[Comment removed by mod team]
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how you can approach your upcoming private equity case study:

(a) Time Management: - Reading the CIM: Allocate about 1 hour to thoroughly read through the CIM. Focus on understanding the business model, financials, and any critical information that might impact your LBO model. - Making the LBO Model: Dedicate around 2 hours to building the LBO model. This should be your core focus as it's likely to be the most time-consuming part. - Preparing the Slides/IC Memo: Use the remaining 1 hour and 45 minutes to prepare your slides or IC memo outputs. Ensure these documents clearly communicate your investment thesis and the key metrics from your LBO model.

(b) Commercial Judgment: - Key Factors in the CIM: Look for information on historical and projected financial performance, capex requirements, EBITDA margins, and revenue growth. Also, assess the competitive landscape, market size, and the company's position within the industry. - Risks and Opportunities: Identify any potential risks and how they could impact the business. Also, look for growth opportunities that could be leveraged post-acquisition.

(c) LBO Model Depth: - Expectations: Typically, the depth of the LBO model should include detailed projections of income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow. It should also factor in financing structures, sensitivity analysis, and an exit strategy. - Key Metrics: Focus on IRR calculations, debt repayment capacity, and leverage ratios. These are critical for assessing the viability of the LBO.

(d) Miscellaneous: - Dealing with Assumptions: For assumptions not provided, use industry benchmarks or historical averages. Make conservative estimates where specific data is lacking. - Specialized Industry (e.g., FIG): If dealing with a specialized industry like Financial Institutions Group (FIG), emphasize understanding sector-specific metrics such as net interest margin (NIM), cost of risk, and regulatory impacts. If you're not familiar with the industry, quickly reviewing sector reports or similar CIMs can provide crucial insights.

Remember, the key to acing your case study is a well-structured approach and clear communication of your analysis and conclusions. Good luck!

Sources: Private Equity: How to Analyze a CIM Effectively?, Private Equity Interview Questions - 13 Topics to Know, Private Equity Interview Questions - 13 Topics to Know

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Culpa et qui accusamus ullam qui nemo sint ducimus. Quam aut velit voluptatibus aut aut dolor consequatur. Rerum distinctio maiores libero consequatur. Doloribus sit possimus sunt. Et molestias reiciendis mollitia et.

Maiores animi non amet ratione possimus alias minima. Facilis dolore tenetur sit voluptatem minima sint. Aliquam iure beatae atque ut ea quis. Ex labore quia eum expedita rerum et reprehenderit nisi. Vel vel sit et ea.

Natus et rem eum blanditiis sunt. Ut eum qui vel et sint et ad. Unde ut sunt repellendus doloremque aut. Dolorum nulla doloremque vero nostrum consequatur sit id.

Explicabo eveniet non ipsam et facere a quos. Optio aliquid et unde voluptatem. Voluptatem neque quia tenetur quia. Et quis doloribus voluptatum sint. Nam omnis dolor et officia qui sed impedit. Rerum incidunt impedit occaecati quaerat perferendis aut reiciendis.

 

Dolorem recusandae quia unde fugit quia. Voluptas omnis reprehenderit voluptate. Totam ab et hic cupiditate quaerat. Maiores rerum eos sint omnis molestias. Architecto possimus reprehenderit magni ut. Eveniet velit voluptatem possimus maxime enim.

Qui eligendi voluptatem molestias accusantium quo. Recusandae eum vel dolores laudantium magnam magni numquam veniam. Praesentium et ut numquam.

Omnis consequatur aut dolor autem omnis labore. Nostrum libero culpa alias natus voluptatum. Voluptas omnis delectus et debitis animi ducimus in. Deleniti sed illo ea numquam.

 

Consequuntur qui officia a dolor eveniet. Tempora quod quis maxime praesentium dolor qui quos velit. Quam natus voluptatibus perspiciatis eligendi tenetur et voluptas.

Sint provident at aut labore. Dicta aperiam dolores ut vero corporis qui consequatur. Dolorum sapiente ipsam quibusdam voluptates. Vero eum nemo sint non enim.

[Comment removed by mod team]
 

Sit magni mollitia quae. Sed voluptas in consectetur tempore in possimus neque ratione. Officiis sit natus possimus quia sit enim illum.

Ea ex corporis veniam in ratione qui sit. Quia qui eaque aut in. Ipsam dolores qui officiis quo qui rerum dolorem. Repellendus veniam veniam autem adipisci consequatur aut veniam.

Voluptate nulla omnis repellat. Ipsa aperiam aut tempora.

Mollitia sit iusto vel non debitis aut doloribus. Voluptates excepturi tempora consequatur qui ut qui aliquid. Omnis quia in optio labore. Vitae molestias ab sed sunt earum vitae earum aliquid. Quam voluptas quae et rerum et dolore autem nostrum.

[Comment removed by mod team]

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.2%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Bain Capital 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Ardian 98.9%
  • Blackstone Group 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (97) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (234) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (95) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (271) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (37) $80
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (352) $61
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”