TPG caves in to investors

If you look at major private equity firms, they have huge amounts of capital ready for investment. So, when the credit crunch subsides, there should be a revival of buyout activity, right?

Not necessarily. Keep in mind that the amounts of capital available may be much lower. The reason: private equity firms usually have so-called capital calls. That means, over time they notify investors to pony up the required amounts of capital.

True, private equity firms are legally required to make the disbursements. But, if there is resistance, will private equity firms actually sue their investors?

Well, this is a big dilemma right now. Just look at TPG Capital. That is, according to The Wall Street Journal, the firm is paring back the capital requirements on its $20 billion fund. In all, it comes to about 10% of the total amount.

Something else: TPG will cut its management fees by 10%.

Of course, TPG has suffered some black eyes this year, such as its disastrous investment in Washington Mutual as well as big bets on bank debt.

Of course, the firm is not alone. Other tier-1 players are also sitting on some busted deals.

TPG's actions are certainly precedent setting – and are likely to be followed by its peers as we go into 2009. And, as a result, expect continued tepidness for deal-making.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Streetsmart Guide to Short Selling: Techniques the Pros Use to Profit in Any Market. He is also the founder of BizEquity, a valuation website.