Private Equity Firm

Sycamore Partners

AUM$10 billion

Founded2011

HQNew York, NY

Private equity firm specializing in retail and consumer investments.

Track Record

Performance

Total Acquisitions3

Bankruptcy Rate33%

Avg Hold Period0.3yrs

High-Risk Track Record

33% of companies owned by this firm have filed for bankruptcy. This is significantly above the industry average.

Playbook

COMMON

Aggressive reduction in labor costs, supplier payments, and operational expenses.

COMMON

Adding significant debt to acquired company balance sheets, often to fund dividends to PE owners.

COMMON

Selling off valuable assets like real estate while leasing them back at high rates.

Current and former holdings

Nine West

Staples

Walgreens

Case Studies

Nine West experienced difficulties under PE ownership.

Staples achieved a successful outcome under PE ownership.