PRIVATE EQUITY INSIDER
By Nicole J. Williams, MBA 2010

Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP) is ranked among the premier private equity firms in Los Angeles. The firm operates additional offices in Dallas, Chicago, and New York. Its private equity investment operations are conducted through three funds — Levine Leichtman Capital Partners III, L.P. (Structured Equity Fund), Levine Leichtman Capital Partners Deep Value, L.P. (Distressed Debt Fund), and Levine Leichtman Capital Partners California Growth Fund (California focused Small Cap Fund) — and after a recent $1.2 billion raise, the firm has over $5 billion in institutional capital. The Levine Leichtman Capital Partners strategy is based on domestic middle market companies that meet strict criterions for investment:

• Strong Management Team
• Clear Market Leadership
• Proven Historical Performance
• Sustainable Capital Structure
• Proficient Operating Systems
• Identified Exit Strategy

The firm recently made noise with its bid for Rubio’s Restaurants at $8 per share; a 33% premium to the stock price.

I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing co-founder and chief executive, Ms. Lauren Leichtman, by phone after a few months of schedule negotiations with her assistant. PE folks are awfully busy, so be ready to work with the Executive Assistant and be willing to wait. Luckily, Ms. Leichtman made time to humor an inquisitive grad student looking to pepper her with questions about the inscrutable world of private equity. Read more »

STUDY ABROAD
By Siawn Ou, MBA 2010

Memory is such a fickle thing. The last five months in China seem like an elusive dream, slowly being forgotten in the midst of readjustment. I have to keep reminding myself that it happened, that I’ve changed and can’t go back to being who I was before I left last summer. It’s like sleeping for half a year in a mattress made of memory foam. The imprint was made, and I’m struggling to keep that shape lest it dissolves back to its original clean surface.

I guess I can never be satisfied. My last 3 weeks in Beijing were spent fretting about the cold, and how I’ve seen enough drunken ex-pats for one lifetime. I kept telling myself that I was ready to come home, back to reality through responsibility. Now that I’ve been home for 3 weeks, I find myself reliving the loose memories of my experience by humming Beijing nightlife’s version of U.S. Top 40s, or retelling the stories of: “remember when we went to ___________ on Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat (pick one) and you did ___________ and then we got McDonald’s afterwards?”

It’s strange that I can consistently find so many analogies from LOST to fit my study abroad experience. They ought to put that series in the curriculum for students going abroad. You travel to a mysterious place, connect with strangers, explore new facets of your personality, and learn a bit about your true character and perhaps even your destiny… sounds about right. It even has a bit on reverse culture shock: (warning, spoilers!)

PRIVATE EQUITY INSIDER
By Nicole J. Williams, MBA 2010

Marlin Equity Partners is ranked among the top private equity firms in the Los Angeles area. Founded in 2005 by Mr. David McGovern, the firm looks to acquire mature businesses–those that have an established customer base, recognizable brand, and revenues in excess of $20 billion. To date, Marlin Equity’s realized investments are in the following industries: technology, healthcare, consumer products, services, and manufacturing.

The firm’s strength lies in its ability to partner with existing management to improve operations, expand the capital/asset base, and strengthen market position. Marlin Equity provides its portfolio companies with extensive access to industry resources and connections; all that is needed to move the company in the proper direction for advancement.

I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the principals of the firm, Mr. Peter Spasov, who so graciously shared his thoughts on where the private equity industry is going and how an ambitious graduate student should look to position himself/herself to take hold of future opportunities. Read more »

GUEST POST
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
By Simona Lederman, MBA 2010

A second-year Pepperdine full-time MBA student, Simona is co-president of Challenge for Charity at the Graziadio School, whose volunteers raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics and other charities. She took advantage of the school’s Social Enterprise Internship Program, which places MBAs in independently-funded summer positions within organizations delivering a social mission or engaged in corporate social responsibility.

My internship story started two years ago. Do not worry; it does not take this long to get an internship!

In my case, it started two years ago, because that was when I first heard about the Step Up Women’s Network. One of my co-workers at the time just attended a Step Up event and she was absolutely impressed with them. So I decided to go to their website and I liked what I saw.

I have a long history with non-profits and especially with those that serve women and children. Step Up was born out of a woman’s need for support when her mother was diagnosed with cancer and then became a network of women professionals, who use their resources to empower and educate underserved girls. Their story and mission resonated with me, so for the next two years I stayed in touch through regular newsletters and occasionally attending an event.

When it was time to think about internships, I naturally thought of Step Up. I contacted their Marketing Director, Alissa Zito and we agreed to talk on the phone. My interview with Alissa felt more like a conversation with an old friend, because I already knew about the organization, I loved and supported their mission, plus I had the experience that they needed. Read more »