This curated list includes books and publications with website links where available, offering insights into private equity (PE). Topics cover investment strategies, deal-making, governance, operational efficiency, and value creation, ideal for lower middle market professionals.

Books on Private Equity

1. Private Equity: History, Governance, and Operations
   By Harry Cendrowski, James P. Puth, and Jessica A. Peterson
   Overview of private equity history, governance models, and operational strategies.
   Buy on Wiley

2. Private Equity Operational Due Diligence: Tools to Evaluate Liquidity, Valuation, and Documentation
   By Jason Scharfman
   A guide to assessing operational risks in PE deals and conducting thorough due diligence.
   Buy on Wiley

3. The Private Equity Playbook: Management’s Guide to Working with Private Equity
   By Adam Coffey
   Practical guidance for executives working with private equity firms.
   Buy on Amazon

4. Private Equity at Work: When Wall Street Manages Main Street
   By Eileen Appelbaum and Rosemary Batt
   Examines the impact of private equity ownership on companies and employees.
   Buy on Amazon

5. The Masters of Private Equity and Venture Capital
   By Robert Finkel and David Greising
   Insights from top PE and VC professionals on strategies, leadership, and deal-making.
   Buy on Amazon

6. Investment Strategies of Hedge Funds and Private Equity Firms
   By S.L.W. Walker
   Analysis of portfolio management and risk-handling strategies in PE and hedge funds.
   Buy on Wiley

7. The New Tycoons: Inside the Trillion Dollar Private Equity Industry That Owns Everything
   By Jason Kelly
   A deep dive into the power and influence of the private equity industry.
   Buy on Amazon

8. Private Equity: Value Creation and Investment Opportunities
   By Joseph W. Bartlett
   Insights into how PE firms drive value creation.
   Buy on Amazon

9. Private Equity: The Art of Valuation and Deal Structuring
   By C.P. Pradeep
   Guidance on deal valuation, structuring, and negotiation techniques.
   Buy on Amazon

10. Private Equity: Financial Engineering, Venture Capital, and Buyouts
    By Peter J. Neumark
    Detailed look at financial engineering and strategies for venture capital and buyouts.
    Buy on Amazon

Key Industry Reports and Publications

1. PitchBook’s Annual Global Private Equity & Venture Capital Report
   Analysis of trends in deal-making, fundraising, and market performance.
   Read more

2. Preqin’s Global Private Equity & Venture Capital Report
   Data-rich insights into fundraising and performance trends in PE.
   Read more

3. McKinsey & Company Private Equity Insights
   Research on challenges, opportunities, and strategies in PE.
   Read more

4. Private Equity International (PEI)
   In-depth analysis of global private equity markets.
   Visit PEI

5. Bain & Company’s Private Equity Insights
   Reports on value creation and market trends in private equity.
   Read more

6. Deloitte’s Private Equity Reports
   Insights on mergers, acquisitions, and growth strategies.
   Read more

7. EY’s Global Private Equity Survey
   Analysis of investor priorities and strategic challenges.
   Read more

8. PwC’s Private Equity Insights
   Publications on deal-making and market performance in PE.
   Read more

9. KPMG’s Private Equity Market Reports
   Reports on investment trends and regulatory impacts in PE.
   Read more

10. CB Insights – Private Equity Newsletter
    Data-driven insights into PE investment trends and firm performance.
    Read more

11. AltAssets
    News and analysis on global private equity and venture capital activity.
    Visit AltAssets

12. S&P Global Market Intelligence
    Reports on PE transactions, fund performance, and industry trends.
    Read more

Additional Publications

1. Harvard Business Review (Private Equity Topics)
   Articles on leadership, governance, and private equity’s role in industries.
   Visit HBR

2. The Wall Street Journal (Private Equity Section)
   Covers news and developments in the PE space.
   Visit WSJ

3. The Economist (Private Equity Focus)
   Explores the impact of PE on global industries and economies.

Visit The Economist

4. Venture Deal’s Blog and Resources
   Insights into deal-making, valuations, and legal considerations.
   Visit VentureDeal

5. The Alternative Investment Analyst Review
   Research on alternative investments, including private equity.
   Visit CAIA

This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for executives, investors, and professionals in the lower middle market to explore private equity. From practical guides and deep-dive reports to industry news and market analysis, these resources will help you navigate the complexities and opportunities in the PE industry.