A version of this story first appeared in CNN Business' Before the Bell newsletter. What's happening: When the coronavirus shut businesses and sent the global economy spiraling, there were concerns that private equity — which has boomed following the 2008 financial crisis — could pose problems . Should the value of those companies plunge as a result of weaker sales, their private equity owners could be in trouble. According to Bain & Company, more than 75% of US private equity deals last year were "highly leveraged," meaning companies took on debt at least six times operational earnings. Private equity emerged from the spring and summer with its reputation intact.

Source: CNN November 15, 2020 13:52 UTC