Leveraged Buyout (LBO) Modeling Bootcamp
The Leveraged Buyout (LBO) Modeling Bootcamp is an intensive two-day program designed to introduce Chicago Booth students to the essential financial modeling and analytical skills required for private equity careers. Through hands-on learning, students will build leveraged buyout models and develop the analytical expertise to evaluate acquisition targets, structure debt financing, and assess risk-adjusted returns while building a portfolio of sophisticated models.
The program’s primary objective is to help students develop the technical expertise while learning the underlying investment logic and decision-making framework needed to succeed in private equity.
Instructed by Chris McGowan, adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at Chicago Booth and faculty advisor to the Svider Private Equity Program, this course includes a set of comprehensive modules featuring real-world modeling scenarios with partner-based learning.
Program Timeline
Early October: Application opens and application deadline
Early–mid October: LBO Modeling Bootcamp (two-day weekend session)
Application and Eligibility
Application
To apply to the LBO Modeling Bootcamp, please complete the application form below and upload your resume by the deadline listed above.
Upon acceptance to this program, students must agree to the following pre-work requirements: Before the LBO Modeling program begins, students must complete the following Wall Street Prep modules. (All Booth students have access to Wall Street Prep).
- Excel Basics (Windows) — REQUIRED. This foundational module must be completed prior to the first session.
- Excel Crash Course — HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Additional preparation to ensure Excel proficiency.
The LBO Modeling program assumes all participants will begin with fluency in Excel and will bring a personal laptop to work on each day. The LBO Modeling program does not support Mac users. Macs have different formulas and keystrokes that are incompatible with the course materials and instruction.
Eligibility
This program is open to Chicago Booth MBA and MiM/MiF students.
Accepted students must attend both full-day sessions in person at the Rubenstein Forum — there is no virtual option. If you’re unable to attend both days indicated on the application, please withhold submitting an application.