According to figures to be published in the upcoming European Fundraising Review 2010, fundraising in the Benelux region has remained resilient in 2009 in spite of the downturn.

Although the value of funds raised dropped to €500m, the number of funds announced rose on the previous year to eight from six, the highest amount of funds launched in a year for nearly a decade. The number of funds closed in the year showed consistency by remaining at seven, the same total as 2008.

2009 proved an ambitious year for fundraising in the buyout market notching up two of the largest funds ever raised in the Benelux region. Gimv held a second close of its XL Fund on €560m, while Gilde Buy Out Partners held a fi rst close of its €800m Fund IV on €217m; both
funds are expected to close this year. The funds are certainly determined considering the current economic situation and they demonstrate a show of confi dence in the region from both GPs and LPs.

With the Gimv and Gilde funds on track to close this year, the amount of capital raised would eclipse the totals of 2009. Coupled with the expected return of LP appetite, 2010 could prove to be one of the strongest years for fundraising in the Benelux region.