The public sector's need for new revenues, sparked by political change and economic pressures at home and abroad, has reversed the century-old trend toward government growth in favor of private sector management and ownership. Political upheaval in Eastern Europe, crippling debt in Latin America, and a volatile North American economy have created a climate in which privatization has emerged as a dramatic new business opportunity. While providing governments with a chance to cut losses and quickly generate much-needed cash, privatization offers new investment opportunities with strong upside potential for businesses. From news-making purchases involving Russian railroads and Brazilian agro-industries, to more modest investments, such as Romanian shoe factories and Texas grade schools, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have consistently, proven to be among the most sought-after buys of the past decade. Based on years of privatization consulting by the professionals at Ernst & Young in Europe, Asia, Latin America, the U.S., and Canada, this new book provides practical guidance for involvement in and purchasing of state-owned enterprises. Combining principle with real-life case studies, this hands-on guide takes you step-by-step through the entire process - from research and planning to negotiating, purchasing, and managing.