Barbarians at the Store? Private Equity, Products, and Consumers

60 Pages Posted: 29 Jun 2020 Last revised: 19 Jun 2022

See all articles by Cesare Fracassi

Cesare Fracassi

University of Texas at Austin

Alessandro Previtero

Indiana University - Kelley School of Business - Department of Finance; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Albert Sheen

University of Oregon - Department of Finance

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: June 2020

Abstract

We investigate the effects of private equity on product markets using price and sales data for an extensive number of consumer products. Following a buyout, target firms increase sales 50% more than matched control firms. Price increases—roughly 1% on existing products—do not drive this growth. The launch of new products and geographic expansion do. Competitors lose shelf space and marginally raise prices. Results for public vs. private targets, during and after the financial crisis, and in industries that vary in structure suggest private equity tailors strategies to the environment, eases financial constraints, and provides expertise to manage growth.

Suggested Citation

Fracassi, Cesare and Previtero, Alessandro and Sheen, Albert, Barbarians at the Store? Private Equity, Products, and Consumers (June 2020). NBER Working Paper No. w27435, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3637736

Cesare Fracassi (Contact Author)

University of Texas at Austin ( email )

McCombs School of Business
2110 Speedway Stop B6600
Austin, TX 78712-1276
United States
512-232-6843 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://https://faculty.mccombs.utexas.edu/cesare.fracassi/

Alessandro Previtero

Indiana University - Kelley School of Business - Department of Finance ( email )

1309 E. 10th St.
Bloomington, IN 47405
United States
+1 (512) 581-5420 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://aleprevitero.com

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) ( email )

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Cambridge, MA 02138
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Albert Sheen

University of Oregon - Department of Finance ( email )

Lundquist College of Business
1208 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403
United States

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