Wilhelm Schmundt received his doctorate from Prof. Spengel in 2008 and is still very much associated with the University of Mannheim. In addition to guest lectures, he teaches the course “Private Equity: Due Diligence and Value Creation” every fall/
Before the official award ceremony, a lively discussion took place on the topic “Zeitenwende für Private Equity? Chancen und Herausforderungen im nächsten Investitionszyklus”.
The private equity industry manages more than three trillion USD in assets worldwide and has further massive volumes to invest in the acquisition of corporate investments in the coming years. But while the number of private equity funds is increasing, and with it competition for investment opportunities, the number and volumes of transactions have recently slumped. Interest rate hikes, inflation, labor shortages as well as geopolitical risks and recession fears have contributed to this. At the same time, the digital transformation has not slowed down, and investments in decarbonization and the renewal and expansion of infrastructure can hardly be managed without private investors. What role private equity will play in these challenges is an open question. The symposium focused on whether the upcoming investment cycle really does represent a turning point for private equity and what form it will take.
Jannis Bischof, Professor of Accounting, moderated the panel discussion, which consisted of Wilhelm Schmundt, Managing Director and Senior Partner of BCG, Benjamin Morach, Managing Director and Partner of BCG, Can Toygar, Senior Managing Director of CVC Capital, and Gebhard Littich, Managing Director of EQT Infrastructure.