Monday, June 16, 2008

Italian Suited PEU Boys to Print Money?


The Carlyle Group, a Pennsylvania Avenue private equity underwriter (PEU), announced its purchase of the cash printing arm of De La Rue while remaining mum on any offers for Roberto Cavalli, an Italian fashion company.

Andrew Burgess, Carlyle Group Managing Director, noted "the circulation of cash is projected to increase significantly." Well said, pre-election Mr. Burgess. How is the circulation of cash between the federal government and the thousand or so Carlyle affiliates? How about the passing of green to elected officials in support of their campaigns. One has to get elected to toss in earmarks, pass preferred legislation, or decrease those pesky and expensive regulations.

Carlyle, TPG, Lion Capital and Candover all declined to comment on their second round bids for the Italian fashion house. If Carlyle wins, will the PEU boys wear Italian suits as they pass record amounts of cash up and down Pennsylvania Avenue? Stay tuned...