France
Hands appeals against Citi ruling
Terra Firma CIO Guy Hands has appealed against the US court ruling that cleared Citigroup of all charges in the EMI case, according to reports.
EdRIP and Phillimore invest in Ocean
Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners and Phillimore have backed the management buyout of tracking solutions firm Ocean from Crédit Agricole Private Equity.
Perceva Capital raises €150m
French special situations investor Perceva Capital has raised €150m for its latest fund.
European buyouts triple in 2010
Buyout activity across Europe bounced back in 2010, lifted by a resurgent mid-market as well as several transactions at the top end of the value spectrum. The overall value of buyouts totalled тЌ63bn last year, a substantial increase from the тЌ24bn recorded...
3i and TCR-backed Trescal acquires Dynamic Technology
Trescal, a French 3i and TCR Capital portfolio company, has acquired US-based measurement services company Dynamic Technology.
EdRIP invests €2.5m in Aventi
Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners has taken a 29% stake in film distributor Aventi for €2.5m.
Techfund et al. invest €2.5m in Polyplus
Techfund Capital Europe several and several CIC investment arms have provided French biotech company Polyplus-transfection with €2.5m of funding.
Credit Agricole PE sells stake in Altrad
Crédit Agricole Private Equity has sold its minority stake in French construction supplies company Altrad back to its founding manager.
Portuguese fundraisers feel the strain
Portuguese GPs will struggle to raise funds in 2011. Fears that the country will follow Greece and Ireland in requiring a bail-out means that most players are likely to wait until conditions have improved to launch their next vehicle. Susannah Birkwood...
DC Advisory Partners announces growth plans
DC Advisory Partners has announced plans it is to strengthen its business across Europe.
M&A and tax law firm Bichot & Associés launched
Bichot & AssociУЉs, a law firm specialising in M&A and taxation, has launched.
French private equity: 2010 in review
Unquote looks back at the key events of 2010 for the French private equity market.
Consumer sector leads buyout recovery
Consumer-centric companies were a major focus for buyout investors in 2010, despite the sector's struggle during the recession years. John Bakie investigates
Azulis Capital leads Brunel SBO
A private equity consortium led by Azulis Capital has acquired household cleaning products manufacturer Brunel from ING Parcom, Abénex Capital and CIC Investissement Nord.
ERCP-backed Viadom acquires 66.6% of Merci Plus
Edmond de Rothschild Capital Partners (ERCP) portfolio company Viadom has taken a 66.6% stake in listed home help services provider Merci Plus Groupe.
Sofinnova promotes two team members
Venture firm Sofinnova Partners has promoted Rafaèle Tordjman from partner to managing partner and Alessio Beverina from principal to partner.
Quest and Capricorn to merge
Quest Management and Capricorn Venture Partners are set to join forces following a proposal by their respective boards of directors to merge the two companies.
Mid-cap and emerging markets to shine in 2011
The year ahead will be the golden age the industry's awaited for two years. But the rich pickings will be limited, with the mid-cap and emerging markets ripe for investment. John Bakie gives an overview
FSI and Euromezzanine take minority stake in Carso
FSI and Euromezzanine have taken a minority stake in French analytical services providers Carso, while 3i and Siparex fully exited the company.
France unquote" January 2011
After the completion of Picard Surgelés’ €1.5bn buyout by Lion Capital this summer, France is now awaiting its next large-cap deal in the shape of yoghurt maker Yoplait. A PAI spokesperson has confirmed the upcoming start of the formal sale process.
The year that was 2010: Cold weather fails to put freeze on recovery
As the end of 2010 approaches, it will likely be remembered as a year of considerable uncertainty. Fear of a double-dip recession, major debt crises, a fragile economic recovery and the return of mega-buyouts are among the major developments affecting...
Argos Soditic closes latest fund on €400m hard cap
Argos Soditic has closed the Euroknights VI buyout fund at its тЌ400m hardcap, following a relatively short formal fundraising period.
Cobalt acquires Barat Group
Cobalt Capital has acquired French commercial labels producer Barat Group from the Letellier family for an undisclosed amount.
The year that was 2010: Mega-buyouts back in force
As the end of 2010 approaches, it will likely be remembered as a year of considerable uncertainty. Fear of a double-dip recession, major debt crises, a fragile economic recovery and the return of mega-buyouts are among the major developments affecting...