Analysis/Buyouts
Israel: no longer a start-up nation
Strong GDP and population growth ideal for private equity
Deal in focus: Downing invests £3.8m in Goonhilly’s space future
Multi-antennae site gears up for deep space communication
HIG Capital strengthens footprint in southern Europe
Move highlights importance of local presence in Italy
Deal in focus: Montagu enters Dutch market with Dorc purchase
Ophthalmic surgery instruments producer generates €80m turnover
France struggles to play down SBO typecast
Early signs however hint at primary revival in 2014
Deal in focus: Riverside scoops Mec3
Riverside's acquisition of gelato ingredients maker Mec3 proves the unshakable allure of "made in Italy" brands. Amy King reports
Deal in Focus: Ardian backs €1.96bn Vinci Park buyout
France had not been home to a private equity transaction worth more than €1bn since the summer of 2011 – a dry spell broken in February, when Ardian entered exclusive talks with construction and concessions firm Vinci to back the buyout of its Vinci...
Investing in technology: it's not a bubble, but…
Taylor Wessing's Ed Waldron and Jonny Bethell wonder whether the recent appetite for tech businesses is sustainable.
Deal in focus: Maven buys SPS in MBO
Maven Capital Partners’ £7.25m management buyout of promotional goods producer SPS highlights improved confidence in the UK economy as businesses increase marketing budgets. Alice Murray reports
Large-cap segment boosts DACH deal totals
Buyout activity was buoyed by a handful of large-cap deals in 2013. But is there hope for a brighter future further down the value scale? Amy King reports
CEE: Activity picks up despite ongoing fundraising woes
An uptick in dealflow in the second half of last year has left local players hopeful for a more sustained recovery. Greg Gille reports
Trade buyer appetite boosts mid-cap valuations
Mid-cap valuations
Fundraises to flotations: a promising year for the UK
The UK market witnessed swathes of fund closes and a surprising number of IPOs last year. But will this positive trend continue in 2014? Alice Murray reports
Deal in Focus: Herkules acquires Didriksons
Herkules Capital’s acquisition of Didriksons, a Swedish functional clothing brand, highlights the growing appeal of Nordic sportswear for consumers.
Strong finish to the year for faltering emerging market
A turbulent year for CEE private equity is ending on a high. Kimberly Romaine reports
Deal in Focus: Astorg to buy Kerneos for €600m
The background work has finally paid off for Astorg Partners: after looking at a raft of deals in the past 12 months to no avail, the French GP has entered exclusive negotiations to acquire chemicals company Kerneos for €600m.
Deal in focus: Ardian and Consilium sell Rollon
In mid-November, after almost a year of negotiations, Ardian and Consilium sold Rollon, an Italian manufacturer of liner rails and actuators, to French GP Chequers Capital and Italian investor IGI.
Deal in focus: Advent offers €1bn to take Unit4 private
Advent International has put in a €1.17bn offer to take Dutch software company Unit4 private, becoming the latest example of private equity players recently discovering a taste for listed Benelux businesses.
Italian dealflow wakes from slumber
Italian dealflow
Deal in focus: Seafort buys three firms from Auctus
Newly founded private equity house Seafort Advisers has kicked things off with a hat-trick of secondary buyouts from Auctus Capital Partners via a dedicated vehicle.
Deal in focus: Risk Capital buys Neilson from Thomas Cook
Risk Capital Partners' acquisition of Neilson Active Holidays from embattled holiday-operator Thomas Cook is a rare example of private equity being invited in.