Funds
German buyouts: the giant stirs?
Despite encouraging macroeconomic signs and increasing buyout activity elsewhere, the level of deal completions in the German buyout market remains well below par. What chances are there of an up-tick in this giant market? Julian Longhurst investigates.
Q&A: Funds-of-funds and direct investments
Emanuel Eftimiu speaks to Marc Brugger, managing director of fund-of-funds LFPE, about the pros and cons of direct investing and the difficulties facing private equity funds-of-funds in the current environment.
Gilde Healthcare III secures Philips commitment
The recently launched Gilde Healthcare III fund has attracted Royal Philips Electronics as a cornerstone investor.
Danish pension funds urged to join venture capital pool
Danish pension funds are being urged to join a DKK 5bn venture capital pool set up by the Danish government, according to reports.
NVM Private Equity to raise £15m in share issue
NVM Private Equity has announced it will raise £15m in a public offering of new shares for the listed Northern Venture Trust fund.
Blackstone’s sixth fund on track with $13.5bn
Blackstone Group said it has raised $13.5bn so far for its sixth private equity fund, BCP VI. Last year, Blackstone had lowered its initial $20bn target to between $15bn-20bn.
PE groups circle Spanish infrastructure asset
The Spanish utility firm Endesa, controlled by Italian giant Enel SpA, is reportedly examining the sale of 80% of its gas transport and distribution business in an effort to reduce the group's borrowings.
Internet investments: Venture banking on social networks
Social networking has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years and the sector’s biggest player, Facebook, is this week set to announce it has 500 million users. However, there remain doubts over whether social networking can be profitable, but this has...
Deutsche Bank to offload Sal Oppenheim private equity funds
Deutsche Bank is looking to sell Sal Oppenheim's private equity fund portfolio, with an estimated value of $500m-1bn according to reports.
Talks over Candover Investment Plc takeover terminated
A statement issued today by Candover Investments Plc confirmed that discussions with a potential bidder for the company have been terminated.
Balderton and Nauta Capital fund series B round for Scytl
Scytl, the Barcelona-based world leader in internet voting technology, has received a $9.2m investment in a deal led by Balderton Capital.
Galitsky launches Russian venture fund Runa Capital
Almaz Capital Partners founder, Alexander Galitsky has reportedly partnered with Serguei Beloussov, to launch a Russia-focused venture fund, Runa Capital.
GSO Capital Solutions Fund exceeds $3.25bn
GSO Capital Partners, the credit unit of Blackstone Group, has held a final close on its credit fund, GSO Capital Solutions Fund on more than $3.25bn.
Ireland to launch $700m venture capital fund
The Irish government is reportedly working on plans to launch a $700m venture capital fund, in a bid to bolster innovation in the region.
Citigroup to offload pe portfolio to Lexington Partners
According to reports, Citigroup is close to a sale of its $900m private-equity investments to Lexington Partners, including an interest in Citigroup Capital Partners II.
ILPA Principles: broad-brush solution to a complex issue?
In a buyer’s market it is hardly surprising that there has been a real focus on re-aligning various terms & conditions of private equity funds to favour LP investors. But are attempts to drive and perhaps formalise this process wide of the mark? Julian...
Downing and LCI launch new EIS fund
Downing Corporate Finance has launched the renewable energy-focused Downing Low Carbon EIS Fund, in conjunction with Low Carbon Investors (LCI).
Westbridge reaches SME fund first closing ahead of target
Westbridge has reached a first closing of its SME Fund, exceeding its £10m first-close target.
Latest Argos fund holds €45m first close
Argos Soditic has announced the first close of the Argos Expansion fund at €45m.
Venture: Aggressive investing needed in recession
Venture capital was, like other forms of investment, hit hard by the recession, with both volume and value falling during 2009. John Bakie speaks to Intel Capital’s president, Arvind Sodhani, who says innovation does not stop for a recession, and believes...
Alchemy holds first close at more than £280m
Alchemy Partners has held a first close at just over £280m on its second fund that is looking to invest in financially distressed European companies.
Augmentum Capital announces formal launch
Augmentum Capital has formally launched its fund today, looking to invest £50m in private equity investments over the next three years.
Former SAP CEO to launch tech fund
Former SAP CEO Leo Apotheker is planning to launch a new private equity fund focusing on investments in European software, telecommunications and IT companies.
CapMan acquires INR and Aspen
CapMan has acquired INR from Accent Equity and Aspen from Valedo Partners in secondary buyouts.