Industry
Europe - Merrill Lynch divests stake in Kreos Capital III
Investment bank Merrill Lynch has reportedly divested its original тЌ150m commitment in venture debt fund Kreos Capital III, the 2006 vintage fund of Kreos Capital.
Europe - 3i confirms £732m rights issue
In a press conference this morning, 3i's CEO Michael Queen confirmed plans to raise ТЃ732m in a rights issue that would optimise the value of its current portfolio, reduce debt and strengthen the company's 'perceived weak position' in the market.
UK – PE could support a Kleinwort Benson MBO
Market rumour suggests private bank Kleinwort Benson would be considering a private equity-backed management buyout. A trade sale is also a possibility.
FRANCE - AXA PE poised to acquire Areva unit
According to reports, AXA Private Equity is planning to team up with an industrial partner to purchase global nuclear energy company Areva's power distribution unit, which is thought to be worth around EUR 3bn.
UK - Curzon Park Capital spins out from E-Synergy
New cleantech investor Curzon Park Capital has been spun out of E-Synergy and will manage the ТЃ20m Sustainable Technology Fund (STF).
NETHERLANDS - Oranje-Nassau could divest energy assets for EUR 500m
According to reports, Oranje-Nassau, an asset manager investing in energy and private equity is looking to sell its oil and gas assets while retaining its private equity activities.
Give more, take less
Buyouts are making headlines for their scarcity - but their structure is changing too. In fact, a lack of leverage and decreasing stake sizes in today's deals mean buyout houses are dipping their toes in the growth space. Kimberly Romaine reports
View from CalPERS
Deborah Sterescu asks limited partner CalPERS about its investment strategy and finds the silver lining in today's stormy economy
Hartley makes secondaries move
The time is ripe for secondaries, with four funds closing in 2009 already and another three launching this year
Investment slide continues
After the lows witnessed in Q4 2008, many thought the only way was up for European private equity. But with the first quarter witnessing further contraction, many are now wondering if the market has finally hit the bottom
UK - Warburg Pincus seeks buyer for Archimedes Pharma
Global private equity house Warburg Pincus is reportedly seeking a buyer for UK-based Archimedes Pharma, a developer of pain relievers for cancer sufferers.