Leveraged buyout (LBO)
A transaction used for taking a public corporation private financed through the use of debt funds: bank loans and bonds. Because of the large amount of debt relative to equity in the new corporation, the bonds are typically rated below investment grade, properly referred to as high-yield bonds or junk bonds. Investors can participate in an LBO through either the purchase of the debt (i.e., purchase of the bonds or participation in the bank loan) or the purchase of equity through an LBO fund that specializes in such investments. |
Similar financial terms
Unleveraged required returnThe required return on an investment when the investment is financed entirely by equity (i.e. no debt).
Unleveraged beta
The beta of an unleveraged required return (i.e. no debt) on an investment when the investment is financed entirely by equity.
Leveraged required return
The required return on an investment when the investment is financed partially by debt.
Leveraged portfolio
A portfolio that includes risky assets purchased with funds borrowed.
Leveraged lease
A lease arrangement under which the lessor borrows a large proportion of the funds needed to purchase the asset and grants the lender a lien on the assets and a pledge of the lease payments to secure the borrowing.
Leveraged equity
Stock in a firm that relies on financial leverage. Holders of leveraged equity face the benefits and costs of using debt.
Leveraged beta
The beta of a leveraged required return; that is, the beta as adjusted for the degree of leverage in the firm's capital structure.
Management buyout (MBO)
Leveraged buyout whereby the acquiring group is led by the firm's management.
Buyout
Purchase of a controlling interest (or percent of shares) of a company's stock. A leveraged buy-out is done with borrowed money.
