The huge sums that private equity firms make on their investments evoke admiration and envy. The chief advantage of buying to sell is simple but often overlooked, explain Barber and Goold, directors of the Ashridge Strategic Management Centre. Once that gain has been realized, private equity firms sell for a maximum return. A corporate acquirer, in contrast, will dilute its return by hanging on to the business after the growth in value tapers off. Prigate companies that compete in this space can offer investors better returns than private equity firms. The latter would give companies an advantage over funds, which must liquidate within a preset time—potentially leaving dquity on the table. Both options present public companies with challenges, including U. Private equity. The very term continues to evoke admiration, envy, and—in the hearts of many public company CEOs—fear. In recent years, private equity firms have pocketed huge—and controversial—sums, while stalking ever larger acquis...