Money Games is a riveting tale of one of the most successful buyout deals ever: the acquisition and turnaround of what used to be Korea's largest bank by the American firm Newbridge Capital.
Full of intrigue and suspense, this insider's account is told by the chief architect of the deal itself, the celebrated author and private equity investor Weijian Shan. With billions of dollars at stake, and the nation's economic future on the line, Newbridge Capital sought to become the first foreign firm in history to take control of one of Korea's most beloved financial institutions.
In a proud country still reeling from a humiliating International Monetary Fund bailout in the Asian Financial Crisis, Newbridge Capital had to muster every ounce of skill, determination, and patience to bring the deal to closing.
Shan takes readers inside the battle to win control of the bank - a delicate, often exasperating process that meant balancing the goals of Newbridge with those of the government, bank employees, and Korea's powerful industrial titans.
Finally, the author describes how Newbridge transformed and rebuilt the struggling bank into a shining example of modern banking - as well as a massively profitable investment. In the secret world of private equity, few buyouts have been written about with such clarity, detail, and insight - and none with such completeness, covering not only the dealmaking but also the transformation and eventual exit of the investment.
For anyone who has ever wondered how private equity investors strike bargains, turn around businesses, and create immense value - or anyone interested in a captivating story of high-stakes money-making - this book is a must-read.
Table of Contents
Foreword ix
Acknowledgments xi
Author’s Note xiii
Preface: Big Money Legends xv
Chapter 1 Money Talks - My Path to Private Equity 1
Chapter 2 Project Safe 15
Chapter 3 White Knight 31
Chapter 4 New Faces at the Table 53
Chapter 5 Deadline Looming 73
Chapter 6 The Ambassador 97
Chapter 7 Presidential Visit 111
Chapter 8 The Chairman Takes Charge 133
Chapter 9 Daewoo Crisis 147
Chapter 10 Black Rain 161
Chapter 11 Ultimatum 175
Chapter 12 Sign It or Forget It 191
Chapter 13 The Final Sprint 213
Chapter 14 The Hard Part 235
Chapter 15 Change Agent 251
Chapter 16 Lion’s Chase 267
Chapter 17 It’s a Race 285
Epilogue 309
Appendix - A Primer on Commercial Banking 311
Index 317
