COURSE NUMBER: MBA 294.13
COURSE TITLE: Private Equity Speaker Series
UNITS OF CREDIT: 1.0
INSTRUCTOR: Stephen Etter
STUDENT ORGANIZER: Ross Trenary
E-MAIL ADDRESSES: ross_trenary@mba.berkeley.edu
MEETING DAY(S)/TIME: Tuesdays, 4-6PM, Fall A only
This course will meet on 9/2, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23,
9/30 and 10/7
PREREQUISITE(S): None
CLASS FORMAT: Speaker Series
REQUIRED READINGS: Speaker bios
and selected readings.
BASIS FOR FINAL GRADE: Attendance and class
participation. No more than one absence allowed. Attendance at the first class
on 9/2 is MANDATORY.
The first session will provide crucial background that will allow students to
learn the most from each speaker and be able to ask informed questions. If you
are unable to attend the first class meeting you must contact the Student
Organizers prior to the next class session, in order to review the material you
missed. Wide participation during
class is a key factor in the success of the course. Our speakers are
contributing their extremely valuable time and expect students to be engaged
and prepared with interesting questions regarding their topic of discussion.
High quality participation creates an environment that speakers want to return
to in future semesters and enhances the reputation of the course in the PE
community, making it easier to continue attracting high-quality speakers. To
this end, in order to receive credit for each session students will be required
to submit to the organizer 3 questions ahead of each week’s discussion which
are relevant to that week’s area of focus.
ABSTRACT OF COURSE'S CONTENT AND OBJECTIVES:
The objective of MBA294, a one-unit seminar class,
is to provide you with an overview of private equity investing through weekly
interactions with a diverse group of accomplished industry professionals from
institutions such as buyout funds, mezzanine capital funds, equity fund limited
partners, and third-party service providers. In addition to reviewing the roles
of each party involved, the course will also focus on various steps in the deal
process, demonstrate the varying investment strategies of select industry
players, highlight current market trends, and provide both financial and
strategic insight into this dynamic asset class. The course aims to provide an
introduction to multiple facets of a private equity investing for all students,
ranging from those preparing for a career in private equity to those simply
interested in learning about the industry.