Industry
Bank stress tests: Private equity puts faith in finance
Despite much hype, the European Union’s bank stress tests, published at the end of last week, were something of a non-event. With just a handful of banks failing the test, Europe’s banking institutions can perhaps be more confident in their business...
Valence Group appoints new vice president
M&A advisory firm The Valence Group has appointed Rodney Snyder as vice president.
Longbow leads £1.7m Ambicare funding
Longbow Capital has led a £1.7m funding round in medical devices firm Ambicare Health.
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Recruitment: Tough times poaching top talent
Private equity houses have, it seems, been on a recruitment spree hiring many junior professionals after a two-year lull, as they veer into deal making again and poach top-tier resources from banks. However, they may be in for bumpy ride as banks put...
MJ Hudson heads new generation of law firms
Matthew Hudson has formed new law firm MJ Hudson LLP, which will provide legal advice on the formation of specialist investment funds and the structuring of deals.
KKR in lukewarm IPO
The US listing of global private equity investor, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), got off to a lukewarm start with shares losing 2.9% on the first day of trading.
Fundraising: GPs face uphill climb
The wheels of the industry are gradually grinding into motion, with some notable fundraisings in 2010 so far. With activity expected to pick up, what awaits the European GPs looking to refill their coffers later in 2010 or into 2011? Julian Longhurst...
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.
Family offices staying true to private equity
The fundraising market in the past two years can be described as challenging at best with many LPs said to be looking at reducing their private equity allocations. Results of a recent survey that family offices are seeking greater exposure are therefore...
Primary Capital acquires Paperchase
Primary Capital has agreed to buy Paperchase from Borders for $31m.
Axa Private Equity buys Phönix/Strack Group
Axa Private Equity has acquired a majority stake in Phönix/Strack Group, a special valves supplier to the chemical industry.
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...
Solvency II: Doubts cast over private equity risk measures
The scramble for cash among GPs is set to heat up as they prepare for another reduction in capital allocations – this time from European insurers - as regulators work on plans forcing them to hold additional cash as a buffer against private equity risk....
Iñigo Erlaíz to head new Gómez-Acebo & Pombo private equity practice
Madrid-based law firm Gómez-Acebo & Pombo has signalled its intention to ramp up the firm’s penetration into the Iberian private equity space by appointing Iñigo Erlaíz as head of a new standalone private equity practice.
Baker and Goold appointed as Wragge & Co directors
Wragge & Co has promoted Gareth Baker and Richard Goold, with both becoming directors, to boost its corporate finance team.
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.
Stirling Square buys Environmental Solutions Europe
Stirling Square Capital Partners has acquired waste and recycling systems manufacturer Environmental Solutions Europe Holding from OTTO Group.
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.
Chequers Capital buys Versatel Kabel for €66m
French private equity house Chequers Capital has acquired the cable network business Versatel Kabel from listed German network operator Versatel AG for €66m.
Corporates trump private equity in European M&A
Private equity buyers continue to lag behind corporate buyers in the size of mergers and acquisition (M&A) deals executed in Europe, as cash-rich corporate players flex their muscles to offer both capital and synergies in the space.
Avista Capital Partners expands into Europe
Avista Capital Partners will establish a European presence by opening an office in London. The private equity firm's European activities will trade under the newly formed Avista Capital Europe.
Buyout funds: The Alpha factor
Alpha plays a significant role in private equity buyout fund proceeds, accounting for almost a quarter of overall returns. John Bakie reports.