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The Senate has passed a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the nation’s housing crisis, with a 85-5 vote. This legislation seeks to increase housing supply and limit the influence of private equity in the market. Key provisions include capping the number of single-family homes major investors can purchase and easing regulations to encourage new home construction. The bill, a collaborative effort between leading Democrats and Republicans, now moves to the House for a vote, with President Trump signaling his support.
The struggling Pizza Hut restaurant chain is being sold by its parent company, Yum Brands, in two separate deals totaling $2.7 billion. Private equity firm LongRange Capital will acquire Pizza Hut’s operations outside of mainland China for approximately $1.5 billion. Concurrently, Yum China Holdings Inc. is purchasing the mainland China Pizza Hut business for about $1.2 billion. This divestiture allows Yum Brands to concentrate on its more successful brands like KFC and Taco Bell, as Pizza Hut has faced challenges with outdated stores and declining sales.
Port-a-potty company files for bankruptcy to wipe away $2.4bn in debt; well, that headline certainly grabs your attention, doesn’t it? It’s the kind of thing that makes you pause and think, “How in the world…?” And the answer, as so often seems to be the case these days, points straight to the world of private equity. That’s because the company in question, let’s call it “Shit Happens Inc.” (I’m just kidding, obviously) is owned by a private equity firm.
This, unfortunately, isn’t exactly a surprise. Private equity firms have a well-documented playbook. They swoop in, often with leveraged buyouts – meaning they borrow a lot of money to buy the company in the first place.… Continue reading
Hamilton Island, a major Great Barrier Reef holiday destination, has been acquired by US private equity firm Blackstone for an estimated $1.2 billion. The island resort was purchased from the Oatley family, who transformed it into a renowned Australian tropical destination. The resort, spanning over 1,130 hectares, features various hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, a golf course, marina, and airport, supporting a significant on-island community. Blackstone aims to invest in the long-term success of Hamilton Island and build upon the Oatley family’s vision.
AP News reports Denny’s has agreed to be acquired by a group of investors in a deal valued at $620 million, including debt. The acquisition, approved unanimously by the board, will see Denny’s taken private with shareholders receiving $6.25 per share. The purchasers include TriArtisan Capital Advisors, Treville Capital, and Yadav Enterprises. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 if accepted by shareholders.
Electronic Arts, the creator of popular video games like “Madden NFL” and “The Sims,” is set to be acquired for $52.5 billion in a deal led by private equity firms, potentially becoming the largest buyout of its kind. Silver Lake Partners, Saudi Arabia’s PIF, and Affinity Partners will pay $210 per share, with PIF rolling over its existing stake. This move aligns with PIF’s growing activity in the gaming market, as they’ve previously invested in other major gaming companies. Should the deal be finalized as anticipated, EA will become a private company, with its headquarters remaining in Redwood City, California, and current CEO Andrew Wilson remaining in his leadership role.
President Trump’s recent executive order could allow 401(k) plans to include higher-risk investments such as private equity and cryptocurrency, potentially changing how millions of Americans save for retirement. This order directs federal agencies to rewrite regulations, allowing employers to offer a wider range of investments, including alternative assets like private equity, cryptocurrencies, and real estate. The move could provide private equity and crypto firms access to trillions in retirement funds, though implementation is expected to take months or longer, with employers likely slow to revise plans. While some investment companies support the measure, previous administrations have been hesitant about including riskier investments in 401(k)s.
Following its March bankruptcy filing, Hooters has closed approximately 30 company-owned locations across several states. This closure is part of a broader restructuring plan to transition to a purely franchised model, optimizing its business for long-term success. The closures, while impacting employees, are seen as a necessary step to improve the overall health of the chain, mirroring similar strategies employed by other struggling restaurant brands. This move follows previous closures and is attributed to a combination of economic factors, including decreased consumer spending and the need to shed underperforming units.
Joann Fabric and Craft Stores, after filing for bankruptcy twice in less than a year, is liquidating its assets. This week, 255 locations will begin closing their doors permanently, followed by the remaining 500+ stores in May. Going-out-of-business sales are currently underway at the initially closing stores. The closures mark the end of a significant presence in the fabric and craft retail industry.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood