Weijian Shan Bücher

Money Games is a riveting tale of one of the most successful buyout deals ever: the acquisition and turnaround of what used to be Korea's largest bank by the American firm Newbridge Capital. Full of intrigue and suspense, this insider's account is told by the chief architect of the deal itself, the celebrated author and private equity investor Weijian Shan. With billions of dollars at stake, and the nation's economic future on the line, Newbridge Capital sought to become the first foreign firm in history to take control of one of Korea's most beloved financial institutions. In a proud country still reeling from a humiliating International Monetary Fund bailout in the Asian Financial Crisis, Newbridge Capital had to muster every ounce of skill, determination, and patience to bring the deal to closing. Shan takes readers inside the battle to win control of the bank--a delicate, often exasperating process that meant balancing the goals of Newbridge with those of the government, bank employees, and Korea's powerful industrial titans. Finally, the author describes how Newbridge transformed and rebuilt the struggling bank into a shining example of modern banking--as well as a massively profitable investment. In the secret world of private equity, few buyouts have been written about with such clarity, detail, and insight--and none with such completeness, covering not only the dealmaking but also the transformation and eventual exit of the investment. For anyone who has ever wondered how private equity investors strike bargains, turn around businesses, and create immense value--or anyone interested in a captivating story of high-stakes money-making--this book is a must-read

Private equity deal-making often remains secretive, but one legendary dealmaker reveals how a failing Chinese financial institution was transformed into a profitable entity without any government support. During the 2008 Great Financial Crisis, while banks in America, Britain, and Europe received government bailouts, one troubled bank in China managed to thrive without such assistance. The transformation was led by a US-based private equity firm, raising questions about how an American firm could take charge of a Chinese bank. This narrative explores the strategies employed to turn a struggling national bank into a robust, successful institution, all while navigating the complex landscape of Chinese regulations. It details the unprecedented steps taken in collaboration with Chinese regulators and the private equity process that followed, ultimately yielding substantial returns for investors in US dollars. Additionally, the story touches on a high-profile lawsuit in the US involving the Chinese bank, a Taiwanese-listed company, and significant implications for the Chinese government. The board, predominantly composed of Chinese businesspeople, included a major US shareholder and an American chairman, driving rapid changes within the organization.