Christian Levrat. Photo: SEK/Flügge

Private Equity and Hedge Funds – Friend or Foe?

Thursday, 24 January 2008, 18.00 - 19.30

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Private equity funds and hedge funds allow pension funds, foundations and wealthy individuals to invest in alternatives to shares and bonds. These investments are important for economic growth and have enabled the creation of many start-ups. Nonetheless critics argue that private equity funds and hedge funds put short-term returns before the sustained development of companies.

Which funds are buying major companies?
What does private equity achieve in a company – strengthening and supporting long-term development or dismantling in view of quick profit?
Are regulations needed to protect the economy from the influence of private equity funds or hedge funds? Does their negative image make them more of a risk for our system?Guests:

Guests:
Christian Levrat, Member of Parliament, Social Democratic Party, Switzerland
Hans Ruh, former Professor for Theology and Social Ethics; President Blue Value, Switzerland
Philip Yea, Chief Executive, 3i Group Plc, United Kingdom
Paul Fletcher, Senior Managing Partner, Actis Capital LLP, United Kingdom

Moderation:
Dirk Schütz, Editor-in-chief Bilanz