U.S. private equity firms hold about $2 trillion in cash, a useful position amid the current market carnage. But, for now, very few are putting that money to work.
Deal activity has ground to a halt and discussions with businesses hit by the panic around the coronavirus pandemic are evaporating, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Recently, an arm of Brookfield Property Partners LP pulled out of financing Mirae Asset Global Investments Co.’s acquisition of a $5.8 billion U.S. luxury hotel portfolio.
A representative for Brookfield declined to comment.
While a few firms are buying some debt amid a panicked sell-off, the lack of private equity dealmaking shows how the virus’s spread has upended the economic outlook and made even the richest and most sophisticated investors wary. Economists are predicting an historic slump in U.S. GDP and some have suggested the nation’s unemployment rate could hit 30%.
Alternative-asset managers have already asked companies they own to draw down credit lines to stave off liquidity issues, and firms currently fundraising are trying to speed things up so they don’t have to ask investors for money at a time of uncertainty, the people said.
As U.S. states and municipalities expand lockdowns and infection rates rise, many executives expect the government to step in with bailouts.
Despite the wariness, some debt shops are starting to buy senior secured loans and second liens from banks, according to the people.
Distressed-debt stalwarts including Apollo Global Management Inc. are jumping in with loans to battered companies, but others say they’re still evaluating the situation.
“It is too early to have a full understanding of the economic impact of this crisis,” said Dwight Scott, global head of GSO Capital, Blackstone Group Inc.’s credit arm. “We are working to understand the economic impact on different sectors and companies, identifying companies that we believe will ultimately recover.”
For now, the largest alternative-asset managers are trying to use their network of companies to minimize damage and help share resources.