Week in Review: MakerBot, Bill Gates, and the Toothbrush Test

Happy Friday, all. Earlier this week, Don Harrison — Google’s head of M&A — spoke about Google’s acquisition strategy and their interest in potentially pairing up with a PE firm. Any such partnership would be a significant deviation from Google’s traditionally solo M&A efforts. If you were to get tapped, it’s unlikely you’d have to answer any of those tricky brain teaser. Does these possible alliances suggest a change in Google’s strategy, or a larger development in the M&A environment?

In other news, Stratasys acquired MakerBot  refinancings far outnumber LBOs, and ACG has published its newest issue of the Middle Market Growth magazine.

Google Does ‘Toothbrush Test’ Before it Buys: When Google looks to make an acquisition, it asks itself, “Is this something people use once or twice a day and does it solve a problem?” In other words, is it as valuable as a toothbrush? If you think the same way, you may be a candidate for teaming up with Google.

Private Equity Sponsors Tap Leveraged Loan Market at Record Pace: Although leveraged loans are happening at record levels (already $168 billion this year), a very small percentage of the capital is being put towards LBOs. Instead, firms are choosing to refinance or recap their existing portcos. Good news for exits?

Middle Market Growth: Driving Success: ACG has released its latest issue of Middle Market Growth, the magazine focused on middle market activity. The new issue discusses everything from ACG event recaps to interviews with Tom Donohue, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce.

Three Things I’ve Learned From Warren Buffett: Shortly after joining Linkedin, Bill Gates penned an article discussing key lessons he’s learned from Warren Buffett. Discussing time management, platform utilization, and investments, the article is short and worth the read.

Why Distinctive PE Firms will Flourish in 2013: Michael Rogers of Ernst & Young explains a few methods to help private equity firms stand out from the competition. Hint: it involves better satisfying LP demands.

Did you Hear?

• Stratasys Acquired MakerBot — and here’s our take of the acquisition.
• IPOs are Back, Even the Bad Ones
• 5 Things to Avoid Saying to an Investor
• Reinvent Your Company Through Culture
• Fed Leaves Interest Rates and Bond Purchase Plan Untouched
• Private Equity Leads the Way in Tax Efficiency (paid content)
• The Year’s Biggest PE-Backed IPO
• The Series A Round is the New Series B Round
• Benjamin F. Edwards Adds Investment Banking Services

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