The general approach towards private equity investments has shifted substantially, in part to conform with the tougher market conditions prevailing after the financial shocks of the last few years. Gone are the days of earning profits largely through financial engineering and rapid portfolio turnover. In their place — business transformation — where investors park their money for longer terms and generally rebuild under-performing companies. Wharton professor Stephen M. Sammut and Philip Bass, global private equity markets leader at EY, discuss the new landscape in this Knowledge at Wharton podcast. They also take a look at the similarities — and differences — between private equity specialists and entrepreneurs.

Comments

New This Week

Social Security Is Running Out of Time
Podcast

Social Security Is Running Out of Time

October 23, 2026 • 16 min listen

Kent Smetters, faculty director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, examines potential benefit cuts, tax increases, and a higher retirement age as policymakers confront Social Security’s looming shortfall.

Why Your Best Customers Can Be Your Best Marketers
Podcast

Why Your Best Customers Can Be Your Best Marketers

October 22, 2026 • 31 min listen

Lindsey Carter, founder and CEO of SET Active, explains how the brand builds community through product drops, customer advocates, and social storytelling.

Inside MLB’s New Strike Challenge System
Podcast

Inside MLB’s New Strike Challenge System

October 21, 2026 • 1 hr listen

Joe Martinez, MLB vice president of on-field strategy, explains how the automated ball-strike challenge system balances accuracy, pace, and player strategy.