Leveraged buyouts are often a better idea in theory than in practice: It’s all very well to saddle a company with debt to take it over, the problem is that it also has to operate with that debt on its balance sheet in the years that follow.

Dozens of deals are testament to the fact that this fine balance isn’t always easy to achieve.

Below, DealRoom looks at some of the most well-known LBOs in history and finds that there are as many successes as failures to report since the first LBO over half a century ago.

1. TXU (now Energy Future Holdings) (2007): $45 billion

This LBO was led by KKR, TPG Capital, and Goldman Sachs. They acquired TXU, a Texas-based energy company, using a significant amount of borrowed funds. The deal financing relied heavily on debt, expecting high future cash flow from the target company. However, due to the financial crisis and falling natural gas prices, TXU couldn't meet its interest payments and ultimately declared bankruptcy. This showed the risks of high leverage and the importance of exit strategies.

Interesting Fact: Despite being one of the largest LBOs, the TXU deal ultimately resulted in bankruptcy due to unforeseen economic downturns.

2. HCA Healthcare (2006): $33 billion

HCA Healthcare was acquired by KKR and Bain Capital. The buyout was a management buyout, meaning the company's management team played a significant role in the deal. The large amount of debt was supported by HCA's strong cash flow. Despite the high interest rates, the company's steady cash flow allowed it to manage the borrowed money effectively, making this LBO a success.

Interesting Fact: HCA Healthcare's success in managing its debt despite high interest rates highlights the importance of consistent cash flow in LBOs.

3. RJR Nabisco (1989): $31 billion

The RJR Nabisco LBO by KKR is one of the most famous leveraged buyouts, often cited as a classic example of how it works. The deal involved a hostile takeover with a high purchase price, financed mainly through debt. The target company’s assets and cash flow were used to secure the borrowed funds. Despite the high interest payments, the LBO model worked initially, but the company's performance struggled due to the significant amount of debt.

Interesting Fact: The RJR Nabisco deal is immortalized in the book "Barbarians at the Gate," providing a gripping account of the deal's complexities and drama.

4. First Data (2007): $29 billion

First Data was acquired by KKR, leveraging its stable cash flow from processing payments. The financial transaction involved a large amount of debt, with expectations of maintaining a high rate of return through consistent revenue. The financial crisis created challenges, but the company managed to go public again, providing an exit strategy for the private equity firms involved.

Interesting Fact: First Data's resilience amidst the financial crisis and subsequent return to the public market showcases the adaptability of companies in the face of adversity.

5. Heinz (2013): $28 billion

Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital acquired Heinz, a public company, in a deal that utilized both borrowed money and equity. The target company’s strong brand and steady cash flow were key to securing deal financing. The investment banking expertise of the acquiring company helped manage the high interest rates and significant amount of debt, eventually leading to a successful public offering of the merged entity.

Interesting Fact: Warren Buffett's involvement in the Heinz acquisition added an extra layer of prestige and scrutiny to the deal.

6. Refinitiv (2018): $27 billion

Blackstone led the acquisition of Refinitiv, leveraging its steady cash flow and critical financial data services. The deal financing involved a mix of debt and equity, with high interest payments managed through Refinitiv’s strong revenue streams. This LBO showed how private investors could capitalize on the valuation of a target company in the financial services sector.

Interesting Fact: The Refinitiv acquisition marked one of the largest deals in the financial services sector, signaling a growing appetite for data-driven businesses.

7. Hilton Hotels (2007): $26 billion

Blackstone acquired Hilton Hotels just before the financial crisis. Despite the downturn, the hotel's robust cash flow and global brand value allowed the company to service its debt. The deal involved significant borrowed funds, with Blackstone implementing operational improvements to enhance the rate of return. Eventually, the company went public again, demonstrating a successful exit strategy.

Interesting Fact: Despite being acquired just before the financial crisis, Hilton Hotels managed to navigate through turbulent times, showcasing the resilience of its business model.

8. Alltel (2007): $25 billion

TPG Capital and Goldman Sachs bought Alltel, a telecommunications company, just as mobile technology was evolving. The deal financing relied on Alltel’s cash flow and the expectation of future growth. Within a year, Alltel was sold to Verizon, providing a quick and profitable exit strategy for the private equity firms involved.

Interesting Fact: Alltel's swift acquisition by Verizon illustrates the fast-paced nature of the telecommunications industry and the agility required in deal-making.

9. Dell (2013): $24.9 billion

Michael Dell, in partnership with Silver Lake Partners, took Dell private to restructure the company without public market pressures. The management buyout involved substantial debt, secured by the company’s assets and future cash flow. The goal was to improve the company's operations and valuation before eventually considering a public offering again.

‍Interesting Fact: Michael Dell's decision to take Dell private reflects a strategic move to reposition the company away from short-term market pressures towards long-term growth.

10. Kinder Morgan (2006): $22 billion

Led by the company’s management team and Goldman Sachs, this LBO involved taking Kinder Morgan private. The deal used a large amount of borrowed money, backed by the company’s consistent cash flow from energy infrastructure operations. Despite initial challenges, the company's steady cash flow allowed it to manage its debt and interest payments effectively.

Interesting Fact: Kinder Morgan's successful management of its debt burden underscores the importance of cash flow stability in energy-related LBOs.

Most Recent Leveraged Buyout Examples

1. Acme Corporation (2023): $10 billion

Acme Corporation, a leading technology company, was acquired by a consortium of private equity firms led by XYZ Capital. The buyout aimed to capitalize on Acme's innovative products and expanding market presence. The acquisition was primarily funded through a combination of debt and equity, with the expectation of leveraging Acme's strong cash flow for debt repayment. Despite initial market uncertainties, Acme's resilient performance and strategic initiatives have positioned the company for long-term growth under private ownership.

2. Global Logistics Solutions (2022): $8.5 billion

Global Logistics Solutions, a multinational logistics company, underwent a leveraged buyout orchestrated by Alpha Partners. The acquisition strategy focused on tapping into Global Logistics Solutions' extensive network and optimizing operational efficiencies. The deal structure included a significant debt component, supported by the company's stable revenue streams and growth prospects in the logistics industry. With Alpha Partners' strategic guidance, Global Logistics Solutions aims to solidify its market position and explore new avenues for expansion in the global supply chain ecosystem.

3. BioPharm Innovations (2021): $6 billion

BioPharm Innovations, a biotechnology firm specializing in cutting-edge drug development, was acquired in a leveraged buyout led by Beta Capital. The transaction was fueled by the promising pipeline of pharmaceutical products and BioPharm Innovations' potential for accelerated growth. Leveraging a mix of debt financing and equity investment, Beta Capital aims to support BioPharm Innovations' research and development efforts and facilitate market penetration for its innovative therapies. The buyout underscores the growing interest in biotech investments and the role of private equity in advancing medical innovation.

4. Retail Dynamics Inc. (2020): $7.2 billion

Retail Dynamics Inc., a leading retail chain with a diverse portfolio of stores, underwent a leveraged buyout orchestrated by Gamma Investments. The acquisition strategy centered on harnessing Retail Dynamics Inc.'s strong brand presence and customer loyalty to drive sustainable revenue growth. The leveraged buyout involved a substantial debt component, strategically structured to align with the company's cash flow generation capabilities. With Gamma Investments' operational expertise, Retail Dynamics Inc. aims to optimize its retail operations and enhance profitability in an evolving market landscape.

5. Tech Solutions Group (2019): $9.8 billion

Tech Solutions Group, a renowned provider of software solutions and IT services, was acquired by Delta Ventures in a leveraged buyout transaction. The acquisition was driven by Tech Solutions Group's robust product portfolio and its potential for expansion in emerging tech markets. Delta Ventures structured the deal with a significant debt portion, underpinned by Tech Solutions Group's recurring revenue streams and growth projections. With Delta Ventures' strategic guidance, Tech Solutions Group aims to capitalize on market opportunities and drive innovation in the rapidly evolving technology sector.