In a series of posts over the coming weeks, we will describe how the interplay of macroeconomic conditions and circumstances unique to the PE industry are influencing private equity investments, exits, fund-raising and returns.

FORBES: Where Is Private Equity Headed In 2012?

Private equity (PE) deal makers should see a healthy supply of attractive assets come up for sale this year.

FORBES: Private Equity Deal Supply And Range Will Increase

Like any industry sensitive to macroeconomic shifts, credit-market turmoil and volatile equity values, global private equity (PE) has had to navigate through booms and busts over the decades (see figure).

FORBES: Where Is Private Equity Headed In 2012?

The pitfalls of PE investment in startups are several: First, firms that have been bought out by private equity oftentimes get bogged down by an excessively hefty debt-servicing burden and have a higher probability of going bankrupt.

FORBES: Why Private Equity and Entrepreneurship Don't Mix

Private equity dominates the news today, thanks to the professional history of one highly prominent former PE manager: Presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

FORBES: The Top 50 Dealmakers

It looks as if it'll sell the unit to a private equity group made up of former executives, but there's a catch--the PE fund wants to leave the pension obligations behind.

FORBES: Magazine Article