Analyze and Build a Private Equity LBO Case Study

Overview

By the end of this course, learners will be able to analyze a private equity investment opportunity, build integrated financial statements, and evaluate leveraged buyout (LBO) returns using a real-world case study. Learners will develop the ability to assess leverage, model cash flows, structure debt and equity, and determine investor outcomes through exit analysis. This course guides learners step by step through the Big Series Media private equity case, translating theory into practical, job-relevant skills. Rather than focusing on isolated concepts, the course emphasizes end-to-end financial modeling, showing how income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets interconnect within a private equity framework. Learners gain hands-on experience with leverage mechanics, capital structure decisions, and LBO modeling techniques commonly used by private equity professionals. What makes this course unique is its case-driven, practitioner-focused approach. Learners do not simply observe models—they understand how assumptions drive returns and risk. This course is ideal for aspiring investment bankers, private equity analysts, corporate finance professionals, and anyone seeking to strengthen advanced financial modeling and investment analysis skills in a realistic private equity context.

Syllabus

Foundations of Private Equity & Leverage

This module introduces the private equity investment framework using the Big Series Media case, establishing foundational concepts such as fund structure, leverage rationale, and the role of financial modeling in evaluating investment opportunities.

Building the Financial Statements

This module focuses on constructing integrated financial statements for Big Series Media, guiding learners through income statement modeling, cash flow analysis, and balance sheet build-up to support private equity valuation and decision-making.

Capital Structure and LBO Execution

This module applies capital structure decisions and leveraged buyout mechanics to complete the Big Series Media investment analysis, covering debt structuring, equity ownership, and exit-driven return evaluation.