CFA Society Hong Kong is honored and delighted to have invited Mr. Brendan Ballou, award-winning author of “Plunder: Private Equity’s Plan to Pillage America”. In the book, Brendan uncovers the inner workings of private equity firms, and their influence on American businesses, jobs, and communities.
During the webinar, Brendan presented the highlights of his book, revealed the detrimental effects of private equity on businesses, workers, and communities. As these firms take control, prices rise, quality diminishes, jobs are cut, and resources are diverted away from productive sectors of the economy. Companies saddled with massive debts and extractive fees often face bankruptcy or become mere shadows of their former selves, impacting the communities they once served. He also shared insight into the complicity of various government entities in enabling and supporting the activities of private equity. This interdependent relationship raises questions about the role of regulation and accountability in the face of such widespread influence.