Industry
The Dutch downturn in numbers
Francinia Protti-Alvarez explores the decline of the Dutch private equity market in search of some glimmers of optimism
GERMANY – Ripplewood and Lone Star circle BHF bank
According to press reports, Ripplewood and Lone Star are interested in acquiring private bank BHF, which has been put up for sale by private banking group Sal. Oppenheim.
UK - Candover calls it quits
Private equity firm Candover has suspended investment from its 2008 fund for up to six months to explore strategic options.
UK - Bidding war for stake in Royal Mail
Reports suggest that Deutsche Post, along with Dutch TNT and private equity firm CVC, are bidding for a stake in British state-owned postal company Royal Mail.
EUROPE - BPE spin-off – still no firm agreement
Following speculation since before Christmas, unquote" can confirm that Barclays Private Equity is indeed inching closer towards independence. Though the firm is "sounding out views of its investors", there is as yet still no agreement in place, according...
Europe/US - Peter Schweinfurth launches Gulf + Eastern Advisors firm
Private equity professional Peter Schweinfurth has formed private merchant advisory firm Gulf + Eastern Advisors.
EUROPE - Private equity and SWFs circle GM Europe
According to reports, sovereign wealth funds and private equity firms are showing an interest to acquire a stake in the European business of US carmaker General Motors.
SWITZERLAND/US - Capital Dynamics acquires HRJ
Fund-of-funds specialist Capital Dynamics has agreed to acquire HRJ Capital, a US-based fund-of-funds manager.
UK watch period to end March 2009
First quarter 2009: a chronic shortage of deals
The cost of protection
The UK Government's asset protection scheme is designed to boost confidence in the banking sector, but its restrictions may adversely impact private equity houses looking to restructure portfolio company debt. Ashley Wassall reports