Sentiment Jun 2025 · United States
Critique: PE debt-loading and short-termism degrade HVAC service
Brendan Ballou, author of 'Plunder,' argues PE firms buy companies with borrowed money, restructure for short-term profits, and exit in a few years, leaving more debt, worse service, and higher prices for HVAC customers.
“Private equity firms buy companies with mostly borrowed money, restructure them for short-term profits, and sell them a few years later — often leaving behind more debt, worse service, and bigger prices for customers.”
Entities
Brendan Ballou · Mentioned
HVAC Sentiment: Negative
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