The lack of credit and overall economic malaise are forcing changes in how private equity firms invest. In this edition of Inside the Deal, Shad Azimi, a managing partner with Vanterra Capital, says for one, PE firms are more often reaching the investment term limits of their mandates and in some cases, asking for extensions. In addition, he says, more firms are looking to create value through operational improvements, and are investing in management to make that happen. - Suzanne Stevens