PE firms pick Lowenstein as lobbyist

Several mega-buyout firms yesterday unveiled more details about their new association, the Private Equity Council, including the selection of veteran lobbyist Douglas Lowenstein as president and CEO. Lowenstein, who plans to start in February, is president of the Entertainment Software Association, a trade association of U.S. video-game companies. The founding members of the council include Apollo Management, The Blackstone Group, The Carlyle Group, Hellman & Friedman, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., Madison Dearborn Partners, Providence Equity Partners, Silver Lake Partners, Texas Pacific Group and Thomas H. Lee Partners.