Private equity involves investing in non-publicly traded assets like companies. Private equity funds will purchase companies, gaining access to their assets and revenue to aim for high investment returns. For example, a private equity fund may borrow $9 billion and contribute $2 billion of its own money to purchase an underperforming company for $11 billion total. After restructuring the company, it could be sold two years later for $13 billion, yielding a $2 billion profit. Private equity transactions typically involve significant debt financing used to acquire companies that generate stable cash flows, with the goal of high returns through restructuring and eventual resale.