The Dealmaker: Lessons from a Life in Private Equity

The Dealmaker is an inside account of the multi-billion pound world of private equity and a masterclass on the art of deal-making from one of Britain's most high-profile investors. Guy Hands charts his career in private equity, first at Nomura and then as head of his own company, Terra Firma, and provides a brutally honest appraisal of the deal that almost bankrupted him. The book is insightful and page-turning, and should be on everyone's reading list who wants to understand how huge business negotiations are done and what makes one of private equity's biggest players tick.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Cornerstone

Guy Hands, a prominent British investor, has authored a captivating book titled "The Dealmaker," which delves into the world of private equity and offers valuable insights into the art of deal-making. Diagnosed with severe dyslexia at a young age, Hands overcame these challenges to attend Oxford University and establish his own private equity company, Terra Firma. In his book, Hands takes readers on a journey through his tumultuous career as a serial entrepreneur, sharing the ups and downs of his deal-making experiences. Hands' journey begins at Nomura, where he gained valuable experience in the industry. He then founded Terra Firma, a company that has been involved in numerous high-profile deals, including the acquisition of cinema chains, pubs, waste management companies, aircraft leasing firms, and green energy companies. Hands provides a detailed account of these deals, highlighting the challenges and rewards involved. One of the most significant deals that Hands describes in his book is the acquisition of multinational music recording and publishing company EMI in 2007, just before the global financial crisis hit. This deal almost bankrupted Hands, but he provides a brutally honest appraisal of the situation, highlighting the risks and rewards of such transactions. Throughout the book, Hands provides a candid and insightful look into the world of private equity, revealing the pressures and rewards involved in these high-stakes negotiations. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships, understanding the market, and being prepared for unexpected challenges. Hands' writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book a page-turner for anyone interested in the world of business. The Dealmaker has received widespread praise from critics, with many describing it as a must-read for anyone who wants to understand how huge business negotiations are done and what makes one of private equity's biggest players tick. Money Week describes the book as "gripping" and "inspirational," while Business Standard calls it "essential reading" for anyone curious to learn the secrets of these financial alchemists. Overall, The Dealmaker is a fascinating and informative book that provides valuable insights into the world of private equity and the art of deal-making. Hands' personal journey and his detailed account of his deals make for a compelling read, and his insights into the pressures and rewards of these transactions are invaluable for anyone interested in the business world.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 197 x 127 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781847940575