Private Equity Investment Decisions: Selection Criteria and the Role of ESG

This dissertation explores the process of investment selection and value creation in the private equity industry, combining hands-on professional experience with academic research. The first part focuses on the internship carried out at DeA Capital, detailing the activities performed, skills developed, and key projects that enhanced the author’s understanding of the sector. The second part adopts a broader academic lens, outlining the historical evolution of private equity, examining its main investment strategies, and analyzing both financial and qualitative factors that determine a company’s suitability as a target. The final section addresses the increasingly relevant topic of sustainable finance, with a focus on ESG integration. Given DeA Capital’s management of an Article 8 fund under the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, particular attention is paid to ESG frameworks and their practical application throughout the investment process, from due diligence to ownership. By bridging practical experience and theoretical insights, this dissertation offers a comprehensive view of modern private equity: a key player not only in generating financial returns and driving corporate change, but also in fostering sustainable value creation aligned with global ESG priorities.