Subscription Lines Dilemma

This case follows a fictional managing partner of a private equity firm, as she contemplates whether to utilize subscription lines of credit in her firm’s funds. Subscription lines are revolving lines of credit secured by commitments from a fund’s investors. Private equity firms are increasingly using these lines to boost metrics and profits on their funds, but the benefits to investors are debatable. Because of this, the firm in the case had previously avoided using such lines. However, faced with the growing popularity of the practice in the industry and an increasingly competitive return environment, it is forced to reevaluate this position.