Much has happened in the three years since the publication of the last edition of this book. In the last 2-3 years, private equity houses have raised huge amounts of money to invest which has had an effect on the dynamics of the market. In addition, there is a broadening of potential buyers with a number of other organisations adopting private equity style strategies. This practical fourth edition introduces the world of private equity, explains its rise and recent dynamics, and explores the key ingredients of private equity transactions and the technical issues associated with them. Featuring fully updated chapters by leading private equity practitioners, the book includes high-level analysis of private equity fund structures, equity and debt finance, acquisition documentation, due diligence, tax structuring, pensions issues and public-to-privates.New to the fourth edition are key chapters on China and on Brexit. The book is must-have handbook for legal and other practitioners in the private equity world, corporate law academics and their students.