France
AFIC calls for staff stakes in PE-backed firms
French private equity trade body AFIC has drafted a proposal to simplify and extend the incentivisation mechanism for employees of PE-backed businesses.
DACH venture scene remains on top form
While the rest of Europe has suffered from a low deal volume in 2011, the DACH early-stage sector is going strong. Considering the well-established venture scene, it is not surprising that this region has dominated early-stage in Q4 2011.
Perceva takes majority stake in BPI
Perceva Capital has taken a majority stake in French HR consulting firm BPI, through a capital increase and the purchase of existing shares in the business.
Dodd-Frank fears "overblown"
The extensive requirements and wide reach of the US's Dodd-Frank Act has stirred up fears among European GPs. But law firm DLA Piper downplays worries, pointing to a number of available exemptions. Sonnie Ehrendal investigates.
Leonardo appoints new managing director in Paris
European investment banking firm Leonardo & Co has hired Eric Toulemonde as managing director in its Paris office.
Market consolidation forcing FOFs to evolve
Funds-of-funds are an endangered species, with many shedding the title. Kimberly Romaine finds that today itтs all about diversification and tailoring your offering to prospective clients.
CAPE backs AEMI OBO
Crédit Agricole Private Equity (CAPE) has invested €1.5m in the owner buyout of French industrial parts manufacturer AEMI.
Early-stage and Nordics stand out
2011 was a bleak year for the private equity industry, but it was still an improvement on 2010, writes Olivier Marty
Fragmented ecosystem hampering European venture
The debate surrounding the high returns enjoyed by Silicon Valley investors compared to their European counterparts continues. But why do stateside investments traditionally reap higher returns than those in European startups, and what needs to change...
France unquote" February 2012
French buyout house PAI partners has confirmed it is aiming to raise a £3bn fund this year – potentially staging a comeback following the 2009 power struggle that led to its previous vehicle being significantly downsized.
Abenex appoints new investment manager
French private equity firm Abenex Capital has appointed Nicolas Bertrand as investment manager.
Newfund supports Izeos
Newfund has made a growth equity investment in Izeos, a French company offering a range of online services to medical professionals.
French presidential election spells bad news for PE industry
The regulatory landscape is getting tougher across Europe for private equity - but French players might have more to worry about than most, as presidential candidates unveil measures that could affect the industry. Greg Gille reports
Hogan Lovells appoints new partner in Paris
Hogan Lovells has appointed Xavier Doumen as a partner at the private equity practice in Paris.
France unquote" January 2012
Troubled French mid-cap GP AtriA Capital Partenaires has merged with counterpart Naxicap.
Jersey launches private placement scheme
Jersey has introduced a private placement scheme for institutional and professional investors.
2011 a bumper year for Nordic fundraising
Fundraising activity declined slightly in 2011 compared to the previous year, as the market remains tough and LPs selective. Not all European regions fared equally though, with the Nordic countries and France attracting significant amounts of capital....
Entrepreneur Venture injects €1m in TBS Group
French growth capital investor Entrepreneur Venture has injected €1m into marketing software developer TBS Group.
Deal volumes hit 15-year low
Deal volumes in Q4 2011 hit their lowest levels since 1996, in a difficult final quarter for the private equity industry, according to the unquoteт Private Equity Barometer, in association with Arle Capital Partners.
FSI Régions backs MBI of EBH from RJD
FSI RУЉgions, previously known as Avenir Entreprise, has backed an MBI of European Boating Holidays (EBH) from RJD Partners.
Debt providers: "One-stop shops" gaining ground
Faced with a tough bank lending environment, PE houses are increasingly turning to тone-stop shopsт to leverage their deals. Indeed, alternative debt providers are looking forward to a busy 2012, as Greg Gille finds out.
Could mega fundraisings cause Nordic dry powder problem?
International investors have driven Nordic fundraising to unprecedented levels, but will deal flow keep up with the dry powder? Sonnie Ehrendal investigates.
Dechert opens in Frankfurt; poaches Mayer Brown partner
Private equity specialist Dr. Benedikt Weiser will join Dechert next month from Mayer Brown, where he was head of the firmтs German Private Investment Funds group.
Indigo promotes two
Indigo Capital has promoted Burkhard von Wangenheim and Guillaume Claire to investment manager.