"As an analyst just over a year into the job, this resource has been an absolute game-changer."

★★★★★

Here's everything you need to know

I hate scrolling forever to find the key things I want to know. Here it is:

  • What's it cost?

  • $299

  • What if I don't like it?

  • 30-Day, 100% Money Back Guarantee.

  • Does anyone with any credibility like it?

  • Yes. It is featured on Wall Street Prep and was the foundation for FTI Consulting's New Hire Training.

  • Scroll down for the plot, reviews, overview video, and full curriculum



Used by middle market private equity firms across the United States, Private Equity professionals around the world, and taught by the same instructor who created the new hire training program for FTI Consulting.





"Best money ever spent.  LBO modeling classes don't get any better than this one right here. The model goes beyond in depth, and Chris delivers incredible insight as to how an actual PE professional thinks and analyzes real life deals (probably because unlike most other LBO class instructors, Chris has actual industry experience). Not to mention, if you actually need help or can't figure something out, Chris is available to step in and help. This course is an incredible find and worth every penny."

★★★★★

You just got off the phone with the Managing Partner...

He needs a recommendation from you on whether or not to move forward with a deal, and needs it tonight.


You've got...

  • Some quick notes from the call
  • A messy spreadsheet from the target company


As luck would have it, the Partner is about to get on a plane and is unreachable until morning.


What do you do?

Introducing Financial Modeling for Private Equity

A step-by-step video course of a detailed LBO model that mirrors a real-life scenario.

Together, we will provide a recommendation to the Managing Partner by answering the seemingly simple yet loaded question:


“Is this deal financeable, and what do the returns look like?”


Working from the limited information we gathered on the call, it will be on us to create defensible assumptions for the rest of our team to rely on.

"I had the pleasure of going through your course and have learned a ton. We plan to implement the monthly model you put together as a way to analyze our deals moving forward."

★★★★★

The Big Picture

  • This is a detailed LBO financial model built in Excel

  • It is a lower-middle market transaction based in the United States

  • The total duration of the course is 13 hours

  • Videos are broken down into short manageable segments averaging seven minutes each

"I finally understand what I am doing now.  I am prepping for PE interviews; when I looked at some old, real interview modeling tests a colleague sent me, I laughed because those tests seem so simplistic in comparison."

★★★★★

Before You Enroll, You Should:

  • Be comfortable and proficient with Excel

  • Have a general understanding of private equity

  • Have a general understanding of GAAP accounting

This Course is NOT:

  • An intro to Excel

  • An intro to private equity (though we cover some basics)

"This course is fantastic and has the precise level of complexity to keep everything interesting while still challenging one's knowledge and Excel skills. The creator has done a wonderful job of creating bite-size nuggets of information for maximum understanding."

★★★★★

In order to give the Managing Partner an answer, we will...

  • Build a five-year model by MONTH (and we’ll talk about why a MONTHLY MODEL is so important)

  • Forecast an Income Statement with Revenue, COGS, Variable and Fixed Costs

  • Layer “Pro-forma Adjustments” into the Income Statement to normalize expense forecasting

  • Create a “multi-tiered” EBITDA schedule that mirrors a Quality-of-Earnings or “QofE” Report

  • Forecast the Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows

  • Create a Net Working Capital Schedule and discuss the Net Working Capital Target

  • Build Capital Expenditure and Depreciation Schedules

  • Build the Sources and Uses for the transaction

  • Create a “Pro-forma Balance Sheet” that reflects the new capital structure of the company

  • Build a Debt Schedule with a Cash Flow Sweep that pays down debt in order of priority

  • Model Debt Covenants for the Current Ratio, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, and Leverage Ratio

  • Build a Returns Schedule for the Limited Partners, the Seller, and the Private Equity Firm

  • Create printable, one-page Summaries that show the next 12 months as well as each year

  • Create a printable, one-page list of Assumptions that updates automatically as we change the model

  • Send the Managing Partner an email that formalizes our recommendation

"Even as a seasoned financial professional (IB + Corp. Dev) with a variety of modeling experience and a graduate degree in finance, I found myself furiously jotting notes and having "a-ha" moments that will stay with me throughout my career."

★★★★★

See the Entire Course in 12 Minutes

Look, I get that it's not the shortest video in the world (we are building an Excel model, after all), but it allows you to see the entire course from start to finish, so you know exactly what to expect.


"If you have been introduced to LBO modeling this will take you to the next level."

★★★★★

Learn to Think like a Business Owner

Not Just How, but WHY

Are you prepared to walk into your morning meeting and tell the Partners whether they should (or should not) move forward with a deal, and stand behind your convictions?

Throughout the course, we discuss the "business owner thinking" that is critical to survive in private equity, so that you can be a leader on your team.


Imagine, the Managing Partner could either...


Have a missed call from you asking to clarify a few things he already said on the phone, or...

Receive a detailed recommendation of whether or not to move forward with the deal, along with a proposed financing structure, estimates on business performance and stakeholder returns, all complete with printable one-page summaries he can bring to the meeting.


Which employee do you think he is likely to keep?

"My greatest takeaway and one of the true value drivers of the class is how to create a model that is friendly to the end users who can easily understand exactly what the model is accomplishing and how."

★★★★★

Price: $299

Which Includes...

  • 13 hours of video content broken down into small manageable segments

  • 30-Day, 100% Money Back Guarantee (but please give it an honest try)

  • Lifetime video access (start and stop on your timeline, there's no expiration)

  • A "from-the-ground-up" LBO model that is yours to keep

  • Downloadable files along the way in case you get stuck

  • Discussion board for every video

  • Direct one-on-one email support with the instructor (I actually reply to emails)

  • A true behind-the-scenes look at a deal in the lower-middle-market

  • Completion Certificate

  • Awesome differentiator for your next interview

Reviews

See What Other Students Have Said

5 star rating

An absolute game-changer.

Tishan Jayasekera

As an analyst just over a year into the job, this resource has been an absolute game-changer. The instructor, as expected eloquently walks you through the t...

Read More

As an analyst just over a year into the job, this resource has been an absolute game-changer. The instructor, as expected eloquently walks you through the technical aspects of building the model but what separates this course from rest is that they consistently take a step back and iterate the fact that the model is ultimately a means to an end. A tool to answer a couple of key questions posed by an MP when canvassing a potential investment. Is the deal financeable? How do the returns look? As you progress through the model, the instructor recognizes the fact that each section attributes to a specific set of stakeholders. This is where their experience really melds into the course as they outline the motivation and potential conflicts of interest between stakeholders and walk you through ways to best navigate the situation such that the deal under review is not only viable but works out best for all parties concerned. All in all, I'm convinced that this course gave me the impetus to change my mindset to a more entrepreneurial one. I'd recommend this course to anyone of my peers without hesitation.

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5 star rating

Best money ever spent

Ryan Joiner

LBO modeling classes don't get any better than this one right here. The model goes beyond in depth, and Chris delivers incredible insight as to how an actual...

Read More

LBO modeling classes don't get any better than this one right here. The model goes beyond in depth, and Chris delivers incredible insight as to how an actual PE professional thinks and analyzes real life deals (probably because unlike most other LBO class instructors, Chris has actual industry experience). Not to mention, if you actually need help or can't figure something out, Chris is available to step in and help. This course is an incredible find and worth every penny.

Read Less
5 star rating

I finally understand what I am doing now

J S

The level of detail to this course is incredible. I am prepping for PE interviews; when I looked at some old, real interview modeling tests a colleague sent ...

Read More

The level of detail to this course is incredible. I am prepping for PE interviews; when I looked at some old, real interview modeling tests a colleague sent me, I laughed because those tests seem so simplistic in comparison. While other potential interviewees will be memorizing basic LBO templates and their formulas, this course takes you step-by-step and explains why each formula works the way it does. Additionally, it teaches you how to deal with hitting dead-ends, making educated guesses, thinking like an investor, and other topical mental exercises. Thanks, Chris! I am glad I took this course.

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5 star rating

Perfect

Willie Costa

This course is fantastic and has the precise level of complexity to keep everything interesting while still challenging one's knowledge and Excel skills. The...

Read More

This course is fantastic and has the precise level of complexity to keep everything interesting while still challenging one's knowledge and Excel skills. The creator has done a wonderful job of creating bite-size nuggets of information for maximum understanding. Will recommend to others.

Read Less
5 star rating

Excellent Course - Tremendous Value

James Ford

This Financial Modeling for Private Equity course is extremely detailed, thorough, and informative, and I'm giving it 5 stars because even as a seasoned fina...

Read More

This Financial Modeling for Private Equity course is extremely detailed, thorough, and informative, and I'm giving it 5 stars because even as a seasoned financial professional (IB + Corp. Dev) with a variety of modeling experience and a graduate degree in finance, I found myself furiously jotting notes and having "a-ha" moments that will stay with me throughout my career. I feel better prepared to take on future modeling challenges, and can now confidently add LBOs to my modeling arsenal. Well worth the money and I can't wait for more content!

Read Less
5 star rating

Great Course!

Andy Smith

Excellent course to gain a solid foundation in PE. The instructor is clearly very knowledgeable on the industry and does an excellent job laying out the step...

Read More

Excellent course to gain a solid foundation in PE. The instructor is clearly very knowledgeable on the industry and does an excellent job laying out the steps required to create an LBO model. By far the best part of the course was when the instructor took a step back and analyzed things from the perspective of an investor. Often times analysts get caught up in just preparing the model and crunching numbers. Chris does a great job stepping back and explaining the bigger picture and how an MD would look at the results of the model and what decisions that would drive. Overall, I highly recommend this course for someone looking to gain an understanding in PE and PE modeling.

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5 star rating

Fantastic Bridge from School to Real World

Conor Hickey

This class is an excellent bridge from classroom high level finance concepts to actual real world scenarios. The steady pace allows the user to absorb the ma...

Read More

This class is an excellent bridge from classroom high level finance concepts to actual real world scenarios. The steady pace allows the user to absorb the material without losing interest. Based on a decade of experience in PE, I've learned that modeling can be both art and science. What I enjoyed the most was Chris's ability to blend advanced excel formulas (science) into the deal and explain the theory (art) behind the assumptions. My greatest takeaway and one of the true value drivers of the class is how to create a model that is friendly to the end users who can easily understand exactly what the model is accomplishing and how. I recommend this class to all excel users, but especially to folks new to the industry that want a big leg up on their peers day one.

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5 star rating

Great course that walks you through the PE analyst day-to...

Vladimir Osipov

I really enjoyed taking this course and I found that there are two key characteristics of this course that make it stand out among other PE courses : (1) ...

Read More

I really enjoyed taking this course and I found that there are two key characteristics of this course that make it stand out among other PE courses : (1) It has more than pure excel modeling. The course walks you through the life of a PE analyst very closely. Besides modeling, you would also have a phone call with your MD, draft a question list to an IB analyst and write a recommendation mail summarizing your analysis. Also, it makes you take a big picture perspective and realize that Excel is a tool for the actual deal to happen. (2) Yet the model that you would build is a very precise copy of what actual PE analysts are doing and therefore it requires you to invest a significant amount of time to complete. You would start with a dirty dataset sent by a target's management team and make a full operating model that is used to support LBO deals. The course has around 10 hours of video content and you will get the most value doing the modeling alongside the videos.

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5 star rating

Advancement

Joshua Himan

If you have been introduced to LBO modeling this will take you to the next level. Definitely picked up some good techniques to use on my models. Debt re-paym...

Read More

If you have been introduced to LBO modeling this will take you to the next level. Definitely picked up some good techniques to use on my models. Debt re-payment and waterfall were the highlights for me.

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5 star rating

A JOURNEY WITHIN PRIVATE EQUITY

PATRICK DAGUET

Chris walks you through a thorough, detailed and rigorous model that covers all the aspects a PE deal can reasonably encounter. I have been literally fascina...

Read More

Chris walks you through a thorough, detailed and rigorous model that covers all the aspects a PE deal can reasonably encounter. I have been literally fascinated by the professionalism and hands-on views of Chris when reviewing the model. I learned a lot and definitely it helped me understand many aspects of PE deals. Thank you so much for this valuable course which I strongly recommend to anyone interested in PE.

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5 star rating

Huge value and really thorough course

Casper Luotola

I work in FP&A and found this course extremely helpful even though it's done from a PE perspective. I might get to work on an acquisition later on where ...

Read More

I work in FP&A and found this course extremely helpful even though it's done from a PE perspective. I might get to work on an acquisition later on where all the transaction stuff could be more useful, but the modeling and excel part of the course is super helpful in my current work. So, don't get scared of the Private Equity in the course name. If you work in FP&A or occasionally might do some modeling (the Excel kind), this course is a no-brainer. Huge value for the money!

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5 star rating

Perfect

Willie Costa

This course is fantastic and has the precise level of complexity to keep everything interesting while still challenging one's knowledge and Excel skills. The...

Read More

This course is fantastic and has the precise level of complexity to keep everything interesting while still challenging one's knowledge and Excel skills. The creator has done a wonderful job of creating bite-size nuggets of information for maximum understanding. Will recommend to others.

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About Me

Hi, I'm Chris, and I sincerely appreciate your interest in this course.  I've spent over half my career in private equity and have done buyouts, growth equity, venture deals, start-ups, and even founded a couple businesses along the way.

I've seen several deals through to completion, deals fizzle for one reason or another, and deals go down in flames, and have learned a ton along the way.

I created this course because the truth is when I first started out in private equity I struggled.  Sure, I was an Excel whiz and was great at creating fancy models, but I didn't know how to think like a business owner or investor, and that disposition just isn't survivable in private equity.

Private equity firms are on the clock on a daily basis to return capital to their investors, and they need employees who have an entrepreneurial mindset, can think like business owners, and can produce solutions instead of getting snagged on problems.

If you choose to enroll in this course, it is my hope that I can create a shift in your thinking to use Excel as a tool to help you think like a business owner (the knowledge I wish I had when I first started), and hopefully pick up a few Excel tips along the way.

Last thing — several people have asked me if I do consulting.  Yes.  I do.  I can help with financial modeling, M&A, budgeting, cash flow forecasting, etc.  Here's the link to my consulting website if needed.

If you think this might be cool but just don't know yet, all good I get it.  You can follow me on LinkedIn to get to know me — I post on there everyday.

Otherwise, keep reading — the entire curriculum is below...

"I'm convinced that this course gave me the impetus to change my mindset to a more entrepreneurial one. I'd recommend this course to anyone of my peers without hesitation."

★★★★★

The Detailed Curriculum

(Here's what you'll see after you enroll)

  • 1

    Intro & Course Overview

    • 1 Intro & About Me

    • 2 Course Overview

    • 3 Private Equity Overview

    • 4 MP Call

  • 2

    Excel Tips & Raw Data

    • 5 WST Macros (see text for 2023 update ⤵️)

    • 6 Raw Data Pt1

    • 7 Raw Data Pt2

    • 8 Raw Data Pt3

  • 3

    Statement of Cash Flows

    • 9 Statement of Cash Flows Pt1

    • 10 Statement of Cash Flows Pt2

  • 4

    EBITDA

    • 11 EBITDA Overview

    • 12 EBITDA, As Defined

    • 13 EBITDA Management Adjustments

    • 14 EBITDA Diligence Adjustments Pt1

    • 15 EBITDA Diligence Adjustments Pt2

    • 16 EBITDA Diligence Adjustments Pt3

  • 5

    Income Statement Forecast

    • 17 Income Statement Forecast Build

    • 18 Income Statement Forecast Overview

    • 19 Income Statement Forecast Revenue

    • 20 Income Statement Forecast Gross Profit & COGS

    • 21 2015 Pro Forma Adjustments

    • 22 2016 Pro Forma Adjustments

    • 23 SG&A Analysis

    • 24 Variable Expense Build

    • 25 Fixed Expense Build

    • 26 New Hire Build

    • 27 Tax Expense & Income Statement Zoom Out

  • 6

    Balance Sheet Forecast

    • 28 Balance Sheet Build

    • 29 NWC Layout

    • 30 NWC DSO & AR

    • 31 NWC DPO & DOH

    • 32 NWC Prepaid & Accrued Expenses

    • 33 NWC Ratio

    • 34 NWC Inventory Turnover

    • 35 NWC Cash Conversion Cycle

    • 36 NWC Target

    • 37 Depreciation & Capex Pt1

    • 38 Depreciation & Capex Pt2

    • 39 Depreciation & Capex Pt3

    • 40 Quick Clean Up

    • 41 Bonus Accrual Pt1

    • 42 Bonus Accrual Pt2

    • 43 Bonus Accrual Pt3

    • 44 Tax Accrual Pt1

    • 45 Tax Accrual Pt2

    • 46 Balance Sheet Follow-up Questions

  • 7

    Transaction

    • 47 Transaction Overview

    • 48 Purchase Price Build

    • 49 Sources & Uses Layout

    • 50 Debt Sources

    • 51 Known Inputs & Fees

    • 52 Finishing Sources & Uses

    • 53 Pro Forma Equity

    • 54 Blended Cash Interest

  • 8

    Pro Forma Balance Sheet

    • 55 Pro Forma Balance Sheet Overview

    • 56 Pro Forma Balance Sheet Layout

    • 57 Multiples with Fees

    • 58 Pro Forma Balance Sheet Sources

    • 59 Pro Forma Balance Sheet Uses

    • 60 NewCo IS Adjs

    • 61 NewCo BS Adjs

    • 62 NewCo SCF Adjs

    • 63 NewCo IS Fill-Ins

    • 64 NewCo BS Fill-Ins Retained Earnings

    • 65 NewCo BS Fill-Ins Equity

    • 66 NewCo BS Fill-Ins Debt

    • 67 NewCo BS Fill-Ins CircFix on Cash

    • 68 NewCo BS Fill-Ins Def Fees & Goodwill

    • 69 NewCo BS Fill-Ins Cash & Cleanup

    • 70 Check Build

  • 9

    Debt Schedule

    • 71 Debt Schedule Layout

    • 72 Cash Flow Sweep Layout

    • 73 Cash Flow Sweep Build

    • 74 Revolver Layout

    • 75 Revolver Build Pt1

    • 76 Revolver Build Pt2

    • 77 Revolver Build Pt3

    • 78 Revolver Build Pt4

    • 79 Senior Build Pt1

    • 80 Senior Build Pt2

    • 81 Senior Build Pt3

    • 82 Senior Build Pt4

    • 83 Mezz Build Pt1

    • 84 Mezz Build Pt2

    • 85 Def Fin Fees

    • 86 Debt Schedule Link Up

  • 10

    Circularity & Clean-up

    • 87 Circularity Breaker

    • 88 Home Stretch Clean Up

  • 11

    Debt Covenants

    • 89 Covenant Layout

    • 90 Current Ratio Covenant

    • 91 FCCR Covenant Layout

    • 92 FCCR Covenant Build Pt1

    • 93 FCCR Covenant Build Pt2

    • 94 Leverage Ratio Layout

    • 95 Leverage Ratio Build

  • 12

    Investment Returns

    • 96 Returns Overview

    • 97 Global Waterfall Layout

    • 98 Global Waterfall Debt Payoff

    • 99 Global Waterfall Preferred Equity

    • 100 Global Waterfall Common

    • 101 LP Waterfall Layout

    • 102 LP Waterfall Build

    • 103 Equity Return Layout

    • 104 LP Return Build

    • 105 Seller Return Build

    • 106 Sponsor Return Build

    • 107 Final Clean Up

  • 13

    Summaries & Recommendation

    • 108 Monthly Summary Pt1

    • 109 Monthly Summary Pt2

    • 110 Monthly Summary Pt3

    • 111 Annual Summary

    • 112 Assumptions

    • 113 Recommendation Prep

    • 114 Final Recommendation

    • 115 Recommendation Email

    • 116 Epilogue & Thank You

Final Reminder...

If this all looks great to you but you just don't have the time, I can help you. Click the button below to see my Consulting website.

Otherwise...

I hope you become a student. I've been lucky enough to help financial modelers around the world improve their skills and I know I can help you too.

"I found your private equity modeling course so thorough and helpful. Probably the best course on modeling I’ve taken."

★★★★★