The Boys Club Private equity honchos, their holdings, and how they're faring.

By David Levine

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

David Bonderman, TPG

MGM, Burger King, J. Crew
In January, it was reported that TPG had $25 billion to invest in 2009 buyouts. But Bonderman's shop has made some bad bets-most notably, the ill-timed investment in now-defunct Washington Mutual.

Leon Black, Apollo
AMC Entertainment, Linens 'n Things, Sotheby's, International Realty

Although Apollo announced in January that it plans to raise $500 million for a metal-trading hedge fund, some of its major investments, like Harrah's (which it co-owns with TPG), are struggling, while others, including Linens 'n Things, have already gone under. The prospects for its initial public offering are now unknown.

Stephen Schwarzman, Blackstone
Weather Channel, Hilton Hotels, Universal Studios Parks

In December, Blackstone announced it would be closing two of its hedge funds due to lack of investment and laying off 70 employees.

Henry Kravis, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts
Dollar General, Nielsen, Toys R Us

Kravis' funds tumbled 84 percent in 2008. The New York Stock Exchange recently threatened debt-investment KKR affiliate KKR Financial Holdings with delisting after its value dropped 90 percent in 2008 and it failed to meet listing standards.

David Rubenstein, Carlyle Group
Dunkin' Donuts, AMC Entertainment, Hertz

Carlyle raised $13.7 million, just short of its $15 million target, for a new fund in 2008, even as the markets were tanking. But the Washington powerhouse is not immune to bad times; in mid-December, Carlyle announced plans to cut 100 jobs, or 10 percent of its payroll.

Visit Portfolio.com for the latest business news and opinion, executive profiles and careers. Portfolio.com© 2007 Condé Nast Inc. All rights reserved.

Editor's Pick

Business News

'Please Fix This': Elon Musk Frantically Emails Employees During Livestream Glitch

Musk attempted to livestream his visit to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Business News

These NYC Roommates Created a Fake Restaurant and Accidentally Garnered a 2,000-Person Waitlist — So They Opened a Pop-up for Real.

The Gen Z'ers dubbed their apartment "Mehran's Steak House" on Google Maps during the pandemic.

Business News

Katy Perry Is Fighting the Founder of 1-800-Flowers for a $15 Million California Mansion He Doesn't Want to Sell Her

The eight-bedroom, 11-bathroom estate sits on nearly nine acres in the Santa Ynez foothills in Montecito.

Leadership

A Guide to Effective Crisis Leadership — Key Steps to Lead Your Team Through Turbulent Times

The essential strategies and skills required to be a successful crisis leader and guide your organization through difficult times.

Personal Finance

5 Entrepreneurial Mindset Principles That Empower Financial Literacy

Adopting the right mindset is key to financial literacy. Follow these five guiding principles to enhance your understanding of wealth creation and growth.