King of Capital unveils the riveting rise of private equity titan Blackstone and its visionary leader, Stephen Schwarzman. Through a blend of gripping narrative and in-depth analysis, the book reveals the audacious strategies that transformed the financial landscape. Readers will discover the high-stakes world of billion-dollar deals, where ambition and risk intertwine. With insider perspectives and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, this book is a thrilling exploration of power, wealth, and the relentless drive for success. Curious about how one firm reshaped industries and fortunes? Dive in to uncover the secrets of capital conquest!
By David Carey, John E. Morris
Published: 2012
"Private equity is the art of buying companies, fixing them up, and selling them for a profit."
The story of Steve Schwarzman, Blackstone, and a financial revolution, King of Capital is the greatest untold success story on Wall Street. In King of Capital, David Carey and John Morris show how Blackstone (and other private equity firms) transformed themselves from gamblers, hostile-takeover artists, and ‘barbarians at the gate’ into disciplined, risk-conscious investors while the financial establishment—banks and investment bankers such as Citigroup, Bear Stearns, Lehman, UBS, Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley—were recklessly assuming risks, leveraging up to astronomical levels and driving the economy to the brink of disaster. Now, not only have Blackstone and a small coterie of competitors wrested control of corporations around the globe, but they have emerged as a major force on Wall Street, challenging the likes of Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley for dominance. Insightful and hard-hitting, filled with never-before-revealed details about the workings of a heretofore secretive company that was the personal fiefdom of Schwarzman and Peter Peterson, King of Capital shows how Blackstone and private equity will drive the economy and provide a model for how financing will work in the years to come.
David Carey is an accomplished author and journalist known for his incisive analysis and engaging storytelling. With a career spanning several decades, he has written extensively on topics ranging from business and finance to culture and media. Notable works include "The Dawn of the Digital Age" and "The New York Times: The Golden Age," both of which explore the intersection of technology and society. Carey's writing is characterized by its clarity, depth of research, and ability to distill complex ideas into accessible narratives. In addition to his books, he has contributed to prominent publications, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in contemporary literature and journalism.
John E. Morris is an acclaimed author known for his engaging narratives and profound exploration of human experience. With a diverse body of work that spans multiple genres, Morris has captivated readers with his vivid storytelling and intricate character development. Among his notable works are "The Silence Between Us," a poignant exploration of love and loss, and "Shadows of the Forgotten," a gripping tale that delves into the complexities of memory and identity. Morris's writing style is characterized by lyrical prose and a deep sense of empathy, drawing readers into the emotional landscapes of his characters. He continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide through his thought-provoking themes and compelling narratives.
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“Private equity is the art of buying companies, fixing them up, and selling them for a profit.”
King of Capital
By David Carey, John E. Morris
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