Man in a hurry (Malon Wilkus of ACS)

Citation

Wilkus, M. (2007), "Man in a hurry (Malon Wilkus of ACS)", Strategic Direction, Vol. 23 No. 9. https://doi.org/10.1108/sd.2007.05623iad.004

Man in a hurry (Malon Wilkus of ACS)

Man in a hurry (Malon Wilkus of ACS)

Wilkus M. Forbes, 23 April 2007, Vol. 179 No. 9, Start page: 96, No of pages: 4

Purpose – Profiles Malon Wilkus and his buy-out company, American Capital Strategies (ACS). Design/methodology/approach – Features how Wilkus has put up billions in equity and loans in the past ten years and, focusing on smaller companies, has taken controlling stakes in 105 companies, boosting shareholders returns; identifies some of the businesses that he has held, resold and acquired stakes in. Looks at how in 1997 he took ACS public and suggests that more private equity firms will do the same in the future; records his belief that he is “democratising the industry” by allowing the average US citizen to share in private equity’s benefits (individual investors hold 70 percent of ACS shares). Reports on how ACS operates and protects its financial stakes; provides Wilkus’ biographical details; outlines his past business dealings; examines his management style. Originality/value – Spotlights the firm AMS and highlights its strategy of buying out small companies quickly.ISSN: 0015-6914Reference: 36AL011

Keywords: Business performance, Corporate strategy, Financial management, Investments, Leadership, Private finance