This book tells the full story of the insider-trading scandal that nearly destroyed Wall Street. It focuses on four of the biggest names of the 1980s—Michael Milken, Ivan Boesky, Martin Siegel, and Dennis Levine—who created the greatest insider-trading ring in financial history. Based on secret grand jury transcripts, interviews, and actual trading records, the book weaves all the facts into an unforgettable narrative—a portrait of human nature, big business, and crime of unparalleled proportions. The story highlights the chase by a team of detectives and the eventual justice brought to these powerful figures[1][4][5].
Liar's Poker is a non-fiction, semi-autobiographical book that details Michael Lewis's three-year tenure at Salomon Brothers, one of Wall Street's premier investment firms in the 1980s. The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the culture of bond traders, highlighting the frat-boy camaraderie, killer instincts, and high-stakes games of bluffing and deception. Lewis describes the creation and use of mortgage bonds, the excessive bonuses, and the ruthless competition among traders. The narrative also touches on the author's disillusionment with the industry, leading to his resignation and transition into financial journalism.
Barbarians at the Gate is a detailed and engaging narrative about the takeover of RJR Nabisco in 1988. Written by investigative journalists Bryan Burrough and John Helyar, the book provides an unprecedented look at the financial operations and social history of the time. It centers around F. Ross Johnson's plan to buy out RJR Nabisco, which led to a bidding war involving prominent figures like Henry Kravis and Ted Forstmann. The book includes a new afterword that updates the story twenty years after the deal, tracing the subsequent success and failure of those involved and the impact of the story on the world.
In today’s episode, Managing Partner Craig Emanuel sits down with Adrian MacKenzie, Founder and Partner of Five V Capital.
Adrian is the founder and a partner of Five V Capital. A highly experienced investor with over 25 years of private equity experience, Adrian has successfully led and managed Five V’s investments, including Ascender, Madman Film & Entertainment, Canva, Plenti, Education Perfect, the Probe Group, Zenith Investment Partners, Openway Food Co, Penten and Automic. Before founding Five V Capital, Adrian was a managing partner and board member at leading global private equity firm CVC Capital Partners, where he helped establish the Asia Pacific and Australian offices. Five V have invested across 45 Australian and NZ private businesses, taking an average ownership stake of 30%, and having allocated almost $2B of investor funds on behalf of 400 clients. Since inception, Five V’s funds have delivered realised returns of 63% IRR, with an average holding period of 2.9 years per investment.
During this podcast, Craig holds in an in-depth discussion with Adrian on the secrets to searching for, selecting and partnering with outstanding Founder-led businesses. Craig and Adrian discuss topics such as an example of a great portfolio company, through to the current PE industry dynamics, through to what shaped Adrian’s successful career as a Founder of one of Australia’s most prominent PE funds.
Disclaimer:
The information in this podcast series is for general financial educational purposes only, should not be considered financial advice and is only intended for wholesale clients. That means the information does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider if the information is appropriate for you and your needs. You should always consult your trusted licensed professional adviser before making any investment decision.
The Exchange by EW&L Private Wealth 
