Pandas Cute, PEUs Aren't

"There are probably 10 million species on the face of the earth, and I doubt that any one of those species is more popular and more beloved than the giant panda,"--David Rubenstein, co-founder Carlyle Group, a private equity firm

At least in China, where China Daily reported:

David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group, recently affirmed his love of pandas by donating $4.5 million to the giant panda program at the Smithsonian National Zoo. The gift will help to fund conservation efforts in China, including research in the reproductive systems of pandas and professional training programs.

It will also be used to care for the giant pandas Tian Tian (male) and Mei Xiang (female) living at the zoo and upgrade the zoo's habitats as well as beef up public education about the furry creatures.

In appreciation of Rubenstein's donation, the giant panda complex will be named the David Rubenstein Family Giant Panda Habitat.

Contrast beloved pandas with private equity underwriters (PEUs), vilified as greedy, financial manipulators, job eliminators/exporters, debt chokers and corporate flippers.  Does David Rubenstein wish to improve his image by association?  Let's hope the PEU taint doesn't rub off on Tian Tian.

Meanwhile China morphs into the David Rubenstein Private Equity Underwriter Landscape, which can be abbreviated DR PEU L.  How has China's economic development, driven by the Rubenstein's of the world, impacted panda habitat?  Are precious natural resources being stripped for the Chinese economic machine, known for suspect quality, and profit?

This donation should win Rubenstein points in Carlyle's favorite part of the world.

Zhang Yesui, Chinese ambassador to the United States, expressed his appreciation for the contribution.  

Ah, it already has.  What China opportunities will arise in the next five years for Carlyle, the Asia-Pacific PEU of the year?  Rubenstein, the consummate salesman, gave the consummate gift.

Update 11-8-23:   The Chinese recalled pandas from zoos around the world.  

"David is not commenting on the panda situation at this time," Rubenstein's spokesperson Christopher Ullman wrote in an email.

Update 11-16-23:   China President Xi suggested panda diplomacy will continue. specifically mentioning the San Diego Zoo for visiting pandas.

Last night Xi dined with PEUs from Blackstone and KKR.