Are Private Equity Firms Plundering the U.S. Economy? (Update)

Freakonomics Radio examines the contentious debate over private equity’s impact on the U.S. economy. The episode brings together critics like Brendan Ballou, who argues that PE firms extract value at the expense of consumers and workers, and proponents who emphasize efficiency gains. Research on PE ownership in nursing homes, local journalism, and the effects of leveraged buyouts is cited. Guests include investor Sachin Khajuria, food writer Hannah Howard, and venture capitalist Dan Glickberg.