Private equity funds have been looking increasingly to the public markets for investment opportunities. In fact, the number of going private transactions with private equity funds in the first five months of 2010 nearly tripled relative to the same period in 2009. This trend is the result of several factors. The thawing of the debt markets may be the most important factor. In addition, the disclosure obligations and everincreasing scrutiny of public companies have made members of management and boards more aware of, and discouraged by, the disadvantages of public company status, and thus more willing to take their companies private. Acquirors are also determined to act before the economy and stock market recover any further.

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