This experiential case simulates an investment committee (IC) meeting at the private equity (PE) firm Bridgepoint, a leading European mid-market private equity firm. In the first quarter of 2011, with Europe in a recession following the global financial crisis, forecasters are predicting the start of an economic recovery.

The case describes how the Pro-invest Group – a boutique investment firm specialising in private equity real estate and real estate asset management – built its business and raised a first-time private equity fund.

A European multi-family office is weighing whether and how to invest in Asian private equity. Part A moves from a discussion of the historical and current state of Asian private equity to the outlook and risks associated with such an investment. It also starts a discussion of returns on Asian private equity and whether they adequately compensate for the risks identified earlier.

This case examines issues faced in closing a first-time private equity fund, including determining the size of the fund to raise, integrating principals who have never worked together, and marketing a first-time fund to potential limited partners.