Blackstone Deal Marks Biggest Buyout Since Financial Crisis

The transcript discusses a significant $20 billion LBO deal involving Thomson Reuters and Blackstone, drawing parallels to the Golden Age of private equity in 2006-2007. It highlights the current trends in LBOs, where large capital pools are amassed but not always followed by large deals. The discussion speculates on the future of LBOs, considering the active M&A market and recent tax reforms, which have sparked interest and excitement in the financial community.

What is the significance of the $20 billion LBO deal involving Thomson Reuters?

• It marks the end of large-scale LBOs.

• It is a small deal compared to past LBOs.

• It signifies a return to large-scale LBOs reminiscent of 2006-2007.

• It is unrelated to private equity trends.

What has been the trend in private equity regarding capital and deal sizes?

• Both capital and deal sizes have increased.

• Both capital and deal sizes have decreased.

• Capital has increased, but deal sizes have not followed.

• Capital has decreased, and deal sizes have increased.

How does Blackstone's involvement in the deal reflect on future LBO trends?

• It implies a shift away from private equity.

• It suggests a decline in LBO activity.

• It indicates a potential for more large deals.

• It shows a focus on smaller deals.

What is the state of the M&A market in 2018 according to the transcript?

• It is unaffected by recent tax reforms.

• It is off to the best start since 2000.

• It is experiencing a downturn.

• It is stagnant compared to previous years.

What role did tax reform play in the M&A market activity?

• It had no impact on market activity.

• It caused confusion among investors.

• It contributed to increased market activity.

• It led to a decrease in market activity.