France
Duke Street merges EduServices with IPAC
Duke Street-backed EduServices has acquired French post-secondary education provider IPAC for an undisclosed amount.
Exits: Light at the end of the tunnel?
As 2010 saw buyout activity resurge from an exceptionally quiet 2009, the PE-industry was hoping the exit market would also come alive. Last year however proved to be far less favourable for the exit market than many had hoped for. Is this about to change...
South Africa congress looks ahead
unquote’s 4th annual South Africa Private Equity Congress kicks off in two weeks’ time, and will see many of Africa’s biggest investors come together to discuss the issues facing this up-and-coming market.
Cipio hits €137m final close for Fund VI
Direct secondaries specialist can now invest in US.
Deal activity down but buyouts surge ahead
Private equity deal activity fell for a second consecutive quarter at the end of 2010 despite widespread optimism over the market’s outlook, according to figures from the latest unquote” Private Equity Barometer.
Have your say: Industry positive on 2011 dealflow
Readers of unquote” are positive about the outlook for this year, but remain concerned about the future, according to our end of year survey.
PAI puts CEP on the block
PAI partners has launched an auction for French mortgage insurance services company Compagnie Européenne de Prévoyance (CEP), which could be worth up to €1bn according to media reports.
AXA PE acquires Novacap from Bain Capital
AXA Private Equity has acquired a majority stake in French chemicals group Novacap from Bain Capital, in a deal that values the company at €240m.
Portfolio companies paying down debt piles
Like many industries, private equity was hit hard by the financial crisis and ensuing recession, with tough fundraising conditions, few exit opportunities and widespread restructurings. But new research from SVGA suggests private equity has strengthened...
Emertec et al. invest €1.3m in Eviagenics
Emertec Gestion and CapDecisif Management have provided French biotech company Eviagenics with €1.3m of early-stage funding.
Benelux deal activity continues to fall
For many European regions, 2010 was a brighter year, with private equity activity seeing a slow revival from the doldrums of 2009. But the Benelux market has continued to see a falling number of deal completions. John Bakie gives an overview
Naxicap appoints new chargé d'affaire
French growth capital investor Naxicap has hired Julien Potier as chargé d'affaire.
Paul Perpère joins AFIC as delegate general
French private equity association AFIC has announced the appointment of Paul Perpère as delegate general.
Germany: Lagging behind?
While France and the UK saw a dramatic return of mega-buyouts in the summer of 2010, Europe’s other powerhouse economy, Germany, was host to just a single deal valued at over €1bn. John Bakie investigates
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 €63bn last year, a substantial increase from the €24bn...
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.
Altius appoints Dr Eric Warner as head of IR
Altius Associates Ltd has appointed Dr Eric Warner as head of investor relations.
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...