Still, Thomson Venture Economics estimates that Castle Harlan is well ahead of competing LBO firms in average returns.

FORBES: The LBO Method

But it's the conclusion of Venture Economics Information Services, a Newark, N.

FORBES: Status seekers

Venture Economics Information Services, a research firm owned by Thomson Financial Securities Data and based in Newark, Ner Jersey, did the calculations for us.

FORBES: Venture vetting

Venture capital funds had 143% returns for the year ending Sept. 30, 2000, but that figure significantly dipped to 6.4% for the third quarter of last year, according to data firm Venture Economics.

FORBES: A Punt In Search Of Returns

Venture Economics Information Services, a Newark, N.

FORBES: Venture Vetting

But it's the conclusion of Venture Economics Information Services, a Newark, New Jersey-based research firm, which calculated the average annual return of more than 300 venture capital firms, based on how the share prices of their portfolio companies performed since going public some time over the past five years.

FORBES: Status seekers

Most venture investing occurs via a partnership, a legal vehicle through which people do business together and share the economics.

FORBES: An Insider Perspective On Carried Interest