France
Deutsche unquote” out now
The latest digital edition of Deutsche unquote” is out now, packed with all the latest funds, deals and features in the region.
Austria: High PE demand held back by lack of funds
While investors in Germany are experiencing a lack of companies willing to sell in the primary market, the situation in Austria is quite the opposite. An increasing demand for equity stands against a small pool of funds. Diana Petrowicz investigates.
Interview: ASCRI's Maite Ballester
The Spanish private equity association (ASCRI) has renewed its efforts to promote venture and finally created separate platforms for its membership. Susannah Birkwood speaks to Maite Ballester, the partner and managing director of 3i Spain and president...
SJ Berwin names eight to partnership
SJ Berwin has promoted eight of its lawyers to partner.
Seventure et al. inject €900,000 in Tigerlily
Seventure Partners and business angels network Seed4Soft have invested €900,000 in French online media agency Tigerlily.
AFIC conference: Industry highlights tough year ahead
The major French players gathered in Paris today for the 14th annual conference of private equity association AFIC. Despite showing good signs of recovery, the French market still has daunting challenges to face in 2011. Greg Gille reports
Interview: AIFI’s Anna Gervasoni
Anna Gervasoni has been the general manager of AIFI – the Italian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association – since 1986. She talks to Susannah Birkwood about challenges past, opportunities to come and the “tragic” state of the Italian IPO...
Easter sees double secondaries deals
The Easter weekend has seen major developments in the secondaries market, with both HarbourVest and Eurazeo attempting to expand their presence through acquisitions. John Bakie reports
Eurazeo to acquire OFI Private Equity
Eurazeo has agreed to acquire French listed private equity firm OFI Private Equity, in a deal that values the business at €132m.
Private equity market contracts as larger buyouts remain sparse
The European private equity market shrunk to its lowest quarterly total in a year as transactions at the top end of the value spectrum remain conspicuous by their absence, according to figures from the latest unquote" Private Equity Barometer.
AXA PE sells 30% stake in Skyrock to Crédit Agricole
Crédit Agricole has agreed to purchase 30% of French radio station Skyrock from AXA Private Equity, which retains a 40% stake in the business.
Escape from captivity
Erstwhile captives now form the backbone of Europe’s mid-market. But success is not a foregone conclusion, as a handful of firms have illustrated. Spain's Portobello Capital is the latest to test the waters. Susannah Birkwood investigates.
France unquote" April 2011
Astorg Partners has closed its fifth fund on a €1.05bn hardcap. Astorg V was launched in September 2010 with an €800m target and attracted strong interest from LPs.
Consortium completes IPO of Sequans
A consortium, consisting of iSource, Add Partners, Vision Capital and Kennet Partners among others, has completed the IPO of fabless semiconductor company Sequans Communications.
I&F and Vivéris back Médiane MBI
Initiative & Finance (I&F) and Vivéris Management have backed the management buy-in of French software developer Médiane - a deal that values the business at less than €10m.
AXA PE mulling Skyrock sale
AXA Private Equity is currently weighing its options to divest its 70% stake in French radio station Skyrock.
Banks move to offer free placement services
Banks are taking on mandates to drive future revenues from ancillary services. But you pay for what you get: lesser established GPs will still need the hands-on approach independent advisers offer. Kimberly Romaine reports.
AFIC to reform governance
The French private equity association AFIC has launched a plan to reform its governance practices, according to French daily Les Echos.
VCT fundraising – a bumper year?
This year’s £365m total fell short of some estimates for VCT fundraising activity. However the sum hides some very positive developments for the industry: namely a relaxation of investment rules, as well as a reinforcement of the delineation of the...
Commercial due diligence: Under the microscope
Following the shocks of the financial crisis, banks are slowly returning to lending. However, given recent experiences they are scrutinising portfolio companies more intently than ever before, changing the role of due diligence. John Bakie investigates
unquote" Private Equity Barometer – Q1 2011
Preliminary figures released today in the Q1 2011 unquote" Private Equity Barometer reveal suppressed activity during Q1.
Activa buys Abrisud from AtriA
Activa Capital has acquired Abrisud, a French manufacturer of swimming pool enclosures, from AtriA Capital Partenaires.
unquote.com is evolving
You may have noticed that unquote.com looks a little different today. While you’ll still be getting accustomed to the new feel, here is an overview of some of the key new features available to subscribers.
Two partners leave AtriA
Edouard Thomazeau and Thibaut de Chassey have resigned from their positions as partners at French mid-cap firm AtriA Capital Partenaires.