Build the LBO Model
Connect purchase price, operating performance, financing, debt paydown, exit assumptions, and returns in one practical analysis.
A Student Investment Competition
Build the Buyout Case, Defend the Decision
Teams choose a public company, build and test an LBO model, and refine their recommendation with mentor feedback. All teams pitch in the virtual semifinal, with the Final Four advancing to NYC.
Applications are closed for Fall 2026. The competition runs through November 13, 2026, with the final round in NYC.
The Competition
What Students Do in an LBO Case
A leveraged buyout (LBO) uses a mix of debt and equity to acquire a company. Teams test whether a public company could work as an LBO target. They study the business, industry, cash flow, growth opportunities, and risks. Their model connects purchase price, financing, operating performance, debt repayment, exit value, and investor returns.
Mentors and judges challenge the assumptions and recommendation before the Final Four pitch in NYC. Each team must support its conclusion with evidence and defend it under questioning.
How It Works
Select the Company
Teams choose a public company and decide whether it could work as an LBO.
Due Diligence
Students study the company, its industry, what drives performance, and the risks that could weaken the case.
Build the LBO Case
Teams combine valuation, financing, debt repayment, exit assumptions, returns, and downside cases in the LBO model.
Defend the Case
Mentors and judges question the assumptions, analysis, risks, and recommendation.
Pitch in NYC
The Final Four teams pitch in NYC.
Student Experience
Build Skills You Can Explain and Defend
Over 8 weeks, students practice company research, LBO modeling, investment judgment, and presentation.
Fall 2026 Eligibility
The Fall 2026 intake was open to qualified juniors and seniors in any UConn School of Business major. The cohort is capped at 40 students.
Finance majors are not required.
Research a Public Company
Use public filings, investor materials, and credible market research to assess the company, its industry, and the risks that could weaken the case.
Learn With Alumni Mentors
Work with alumni mentors who question assumptions, strengthen the model, and sharpen the recommendation.
Present and Defend the Case
Present the analysis clearly and answer questions about the assumptions, risks, and recommendation. Students leave with a concrete project they can discuss in interviews.
Fall 2026
Team Awards
Awards recognize the four teams that reach the final round.
- 01
First Place
$4,000 - 02
Second Place
$3,000 - 03
Third Place
$2,000 - 04
Fourth Place
$1,000
Fall 2026
8 Weeks from Kickoff to NYC
The Fall 2026 competition runs for 8 weeks, from September 18 to November 13.
All teams submit a Flash Memo, use feedback to strengthen their analysis, and present in the virtual semifinal. The Final Four may make final revisions before pitching in NYC.
NYC Final
The Final Four teams will pitch at the NYC final.
Prepare
Check the Schedule or Explore the Case
Review the Fall 2026 schedule or see how students build and defend an LBO case.