Industry
Fundraising research reveals optimism in tough times
Despite talk of apocalyptic investor behaviour, most GPs announcing a close this year reported existing LPs re-upping and even increasing ticket sizes, as revealed in an unquote" survey of more than 40 European GPs. Anneken Tappe reports
Blackstone and Anacap set up joint venture for financial assets
The Blackstone Group and Anacap Financial Partners have set up a joint venture to buy European financial assets.
Video: David Currie - industry needs liquidity
As he steps down from 33 years in private equity, most recently with SL Capital, David Currie shares his views on the industry's future.
French PE industry “could collapse”, AFIC warns
French PE industry
CEE picking up the pace
Dealflow in the CEE region picked up slightly in August, and the handful of deals closed so far in September hints at a busy Autumn ahead.
Gimv reshapes strategy to boost future growth
Belgian GP Gimv has announced an overhaul of its strategic orientation and management team, in order to strengthen its position in the industry.
Amundi takes 7.5% stake in French GP NextStage
French asset manager Amundi has bought a 7.5% stake in small-cap specialist NextStage from financial holding Artémis.
Can social capital convince investors?
Prime Minister David Cameron’s much vaunted “Big Society” project finally got off the ground this month with government-established investor Big Society Capital (BSC) making its first commitments.
Video: Pinebridge’s Rhonda Ryan
LP video interview
Chinese hungry for German assets
Recent studies by Rhodium Group and A Capital have suggested that Chinese investors could be in the early stages of a global shopping spree with direct investment into Europe tripling in 2011 to $10bn. With Germany being the most popular market for Chinese...
2012 sees fewer state-backed funds
Fewer government-backed funds have been launched in 2012 than in previous crisis years, suggesting that either the market is picking up, or that even governments' aid efforts are failing.
Sovereign wealth funds buy 10% of CVC
Three sovereign wealth funds - two Asian and one Middle-Eastern - have bought a combined 10% stake in CVC Capital Partners' management company, according to reports.
HIG Capital launches European credit business
HIG Capital has launched in London the European operations of its US credit business, HIG WhiteHorse, and appointed Haseeb Aziz as managing director in the new unit.
General Atlantic opens new Munich office
General Atlantic has moved its German operations from Düsseldorf to Munich.
French capital gains tax reform spells trouble for PE
The French government is pushing forward with an in-depth tax reform, as announced by new President François Hollande during the Spring election, which will see capital gains taxed at the same rate as income tax – a move likely to worry local fund...
Distributions to LPs exceed calls in H1
Distributions to LPs have exceeded new calls in the first half of 2012, according to research from Triago.
Top 5 final closes of 2012 so far
Fundraising
Bregal reshuffles leadership
Family office Bregal Investments has appointed Steven Black and Quentin Van Doosselaere as new co-CEOs, effective from 1 January 2013.
Successful exits bring venture back into the game
Venture is bouncing back since its 2008 trough, and now sees over 50 exits per year in Europe. These exits are not just about quantity, but also quality, with some of Europe's best-loved VCs sharing the limelight with lesser known players.
LPs getting to grips with the (right) secondary buyout
Secondary buyouts
Cathay Capital wins €150m Franco-Chinese mandate
French state-backed Caisse des Dépots et Consignations and the China Development Bank have co-funded a €150m investment fund to be managed by Franco-Chinese GP Cathay Capital.
Telefónica launches €300m network of VC funds
Telefónica Digital Venture Capital, the venture subsidiary of Spanish telecommunications firm Telefónica, has launched a €300m network of venture capital funds named Amérigo.
Three out of four GPs create jobs
Job creation
Access to growth finance a key concern for UK businesses, ECI survey shows
ECI Partners' 2012 Growth Survey of UK SMEs reveals the business climate is still impacted by the UK's dependency on European trade and the difficulty in securing finance.