Statement on FDIC’s revised guidelines for failed bank investments
WASHINGTON, DC, AUGUST 26, 2009 – The Private Equity Council today issued the following statement on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s revised guidelines for the investment of private capital in failed banks. The statement should be attributed to Douglas Lowenstein, President of the Private Equity Council.
“The revised FDIC guidelines represent an improvement over those originally proposed in July. But we continue to question the need to impose more onerous capital requirements on private equity firms that invest on behalf of retired police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other public employees.
“At a time when the nation’s banks are struggling to raise capital, it is counterproductive to impose measures that could deter investors who are ready, willing and able to provide that capital. Higher capital thresholds could make it less likely that private equity investors will bid on failed banks. At a minimum, it will reduce the value of any bids, increasing the resolution costs for the FDIC and creating greater likelihood that the agency will be forced to tap the $500 billion line of credit put up by American taxpayers. Given the well-documented track record of private equity firms in turning around troubled companies, it also makes little sense to deprive the banking system of needed expertise.
“That said, we appreciate the fact that the FDIC will review this guidance in six months. We hope that this review will yield a long-term policy that will equally benefit the customers and communities of failed banks, the FDIC, private investors, and the United States’ taxpayers.”
About the Private Equity Council
The Private Equity Council, based in Washington, DC, is an advocacy, communications and research organization and resource center established to develop, analyze and distribute information about the private equity industry and its contributions to the national and global economy. PEC members are: Apax Partners; Apollo Global Management LLC; Bain Capital Partners; The Blackstone Group; The Carlyle Group; Hellman and Friedman LLC; Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.; Madison Dearborn Partners; Permira; Providence Equity Partners; Silver Lake; and TPG Capital (formerly Texas Pacific Group).
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