Private Money 2008
The year of the vulture
The year of the vulture
The private equity firms that will thrive in the year ahead are those that know how to profit from others' misfortunes. (more)
35 largest U.S. private companies
35 largest U.S. private companies
Some of the biggest names in business operate outside the public markets. Here's a look at the top players. (more)
Power List: Where the private equity money is
Power List: Where the private equity money is
Fortune's exclusive look at the country's most powerful buyout firms. (more)
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United Rentals (industrial, contractor equipment rental)
United Rentals (industrial, contractor equipment rental)
The company rents products like this two-man auger to contractors and industrial developers.
•  Court upholds Cerberus' right to walk away
Deal announced: 07/23/2007
Deal withdrawn: 12/24/2007
Investors: Cerberus Capital Management
Value of the deal: $4 billion

This break up shows how important the fine print became as the atmosphere for big deals soured. United Rentals sued to force the merger, but the judge concluded that it shouldn't have let Cerberus write so much wiggle room into the contract.

In the end, Cerberus paid the $100 million break up fee specified in the original agreement with United Rentals.

NEXT: PHH Corp. (fleet management, residental mortgages)
Last updated May 19 2008: 1:26 PM ET
Thomson Reuters, Capital IQ
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