Doughty Hanson co-founder dies aged 54

Doughty alongside Richard Hanson, founded the buyout firm over 20 years ago. The pair met in the 1980s while working at Standard Chartered, where they were responsible for building the bank's European buyout unit before taking the decision to go it alone in 1986.

Since its launch, the private equity firm has focused on businesses with an enterprise value typically between €250m to €1bn, usually based in Western Europe. Notable investments include the acquisition of administration services provider TMF from Silverfleet Capital for €750m in 2008 and the buyout of cinema chain Vue Entertainment for £450m in 2010. According to unquote" data, the average value of Doughty Hanson transactions is £154m.

Doughty was also the owner of Nottingham Forest Football Club. Doughty bought the club for £11m in 1999, saving it from administration. Since the initial acquisition, he invested almost £100m of his personal wealth into the club. During his time as chairman, the club was promoted back to the Championship. He stood down as the club's chairman in October, but remained its owner.

Doughty was also a committed financial backer and adviser of the Labour party. In the last seven years, he is reported to have donated over £3m to the party. In June 2011, he was one of 22 business advisers to advise shadow business secretary John Denham on issues relating to regulation, intervention and procurement. Last year, Doughty was reported as having urged Labour to develop a more "progressive" tax system, setting him apart from current criticisms of the private equity industry.

In a statement released over the weekend, Doughty Hanson stated ‘we are tremendously sorry to learn of the death of Nigel Doughty at home. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this time.'

• Tweet  
• Facebook  
• LinkedIn  
• Google plus  
• Send to  

• Topics
• UK / Ireland
• People
• United Kingdom