Over the last decade, conventional private equity funds have demonstrated an exceptional track record of value creation via buyout and growth vehicles. With attractive alpha and fundraising levels reaching new all-time highs, the industry has become exceedingly competitive. In this landscape, numerous funds have successfully improved their positioning by leveraging their brands and capabilities beyond PE to meet increasing demand from LPs.
Private equity continues to dominate as the largest private asset class. At a time when deal multiples are at record levels, complementary strategies including buy-and-build with potential for impressive growth, co-investment to optimize the risk-return balance, and auxiliary small- and mid-cap acquisitions have become popular among firms. While mega-buyouts tend to offer desirable consistency at scale, the spread of returns is much greater in the mid-market, such that top managers can outperform average IRR by a wide margin.
The chase for yield in the persisting low-interest environment has led investors to turn to direct lending. These institutions fill parts of the financing void caused by the retreat of traditional lenders since the financial crisis. Credit funds now help companies and, in particular, SMEs to gain access to crucial capital solutions, leading to an unprecedented growth of private debt markets.
Similarly, investors looking for the strong returns of private markets with a lower risk profile have been pouring capital into infrastructure and real estate investments to supplant their portfolio’s fixed income allocation. The substantial amount of annual investments required by long-term economic growth is sure to present further opportunities for private capital in real assets.
Collectively, these developments have helped the industry broaden its appeal to LPs without abandoning its underlying structures. We are eager to discuss strategies in private markets across asset classes and industry trends with you at the Campus for Finance – WHU Private Equity Conference 2020.
A unique conference requires unique participants. Highly regarded sponsors and speakers alike add the exceptional edge that defines Campus for Finance. At this year's WHU Private Equity Conference, we offer a Student Program that is designed to fit to your needs and expectations. Click here to find out more about your participation.
Listen to high profile speakers, both from the corporate and academic spheres. Profit from professional, as well as personal insights through panel discussions, keynote speeches and one-on-one entrepreneurial talks. Leave enriched, wanting more.
Listen to more than 15 speeches and panel discussions held by high-ranking corporate and renowned academic speakers from around the world.
We offer several workshops organized by our partners. These workshops cover a variety of currently debated topics in the financial world. Get to know other participants and impress our sponsors with your knowledge!
Our sponsors want to get to know you during our Career Fair. Bring along your CV and be prepared to discuss internship or full-time opportunities. They are looking for candidates just like you!
Some of our corporate partners will select student participants for interviews, which will be conducted at the conference. This personal environment allows them to get to know you and vice-versa.
You can expect a fantastic Gala Dinner as well as an extensive evening program. We will provide you with all you need to further get to know the other participants in a casual, interpersonal environment.
What better way would there be than to end the conference with a party? Get to know other participants in a personal environment and celebrate a successful conference.
Meet more than 300 selected international students from leading universities from around the world and discuss current financial and economic issues while enlarging your professional and personal network.
Our conference is supported by established corporations that are at the forefront of their respective industries. At the WHU Private Equity Conference you will have the opportunity to interact with our sponsors in a personal environment. Don't miss your chance to get in touch with representatives in order to secure a job offer, internship or merely enjoy an inspiring conversation.
All OuR PartnersThe WHU Private Equity Conference regularly takes place on the campus of the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in Vallendar, Germany.
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management is an internationally-oriented and privately-financed business school. In 2014, the University celebrated its 30th birthday. It is now one of the most renowned German Business Schools with a high international reputation.
