Southern Europe
Falling listed fund valuations hint at secondaries boom in 2012
Listed private equity funds are suffering from lower valuations in 2011. This is likely to have broader implications for investors in private equity funds looking to divest, and the secondary specialists hungry for deals. Diana Petrowicz investigates....
UK & France level on deal values as year ends
The UK and France look set to end the year neck-and-neck on deal value, while Germany has seen a major push in the venture space. With 2011 drawing to a close, how do Europeтs regions stack up? John Bakie investigates
LBOs: Tighter fiscal regulation ahead
As the economic outlook looks dire across Europe, governments appear keen to increase fiscal pressure on private equity. Sonnie Ehrendal investigates
Growth funding: is it all downhill from here?
Expansion and early-stage deal numbers declined steadily in Q3 2011, leaving the industry expecting a grim final quarter of the year. Anneken Tappe reports
Intesa San Paolo backs mobile marketing company
Intesa San Paolo has invested €600,000 in mobile marketing company Pantea, alongside a €150,000 co-investment from Italian mobile media and commerce company Neomobile.
Intesa San Paolo injects €2m into Samares
Intesa San Paolo has invested €2m into Samares, which provides software and hardware solutions for the renewable energy market.
Intesa San Paolo backs augmented reality start-up
Intesa San Paolo has agreed to invest €2m in augmented reality specialist SpinVector.
CDB names Permira its latest strategic partner
Permira has signed a memorandum of understanding with CDB Capital to become the Chinese Development Bankтs sole European private equity partner. Kimberly Romaine reports
First Reserve injects $150m into renewable energy firm
First Reserve has invested $150m in a joint windfarm venture with Spain’s Renovalia Energy.
Mega-buyouts fail to recover in 2011
This week, KKR announced what is likely to be one of the last large-cap deals of the year with its $1.12bn secondary buyout of Capital Safety Group (CSG). But how has 2011 as a whole stacked up in the mega-buyout arena? John Bakie investigates
Carlyle spin-out Resource doubles fund in top-up
The appeal of a handful of firms belies the dearth of LP appetite for private equity.
Getting your sums right; Investing in education
The Swedish model of free schools has made its way to the UK, but dressed in a different uniform. While investors flock around Swedish schools, chasing students to boost income, the British version leaves no room for profits. So what attracts private...
Up to half of FoFs to disappear
Consolidation is hotting up. But not all are created equal and as some outfits vanish, others will emerge. Kimberly Romaine reports.
Bank caution driving secondary market
Secondary asset trading activity has surged in Q4 following institutional interest in disposals and appealing discounts to NAV. Sonnie Ehrendal investigates.
First Spanish commercial bank bail-out
The Spanish central bank, Banco de España, has taken over Banco de Valencia to "stabilise and recapitalise" the troubled commercial bank.
Providence acquires Instituto Maragoni
Providence Equity Partners has acquired Italian fashion school Instituto Maragoni from Career Education Corporation for an undisclosed amount.
Could corporates turn their backs on venture?
As difficult economic conditions hit financial and corporate investors alike, some large corporates may be tempted to neglect their venture arms. But this could prove disastrous for investee companies that need support.
KKR takes minority stake in Saba Infraestructuras
KKR has taken a 12.5% stake in Spanish car park and logistics park management company Saba Infraestructuras.
Law firm Gianni expands M&A practice and changes name
Italian law firm Gianni Origini Grippo & Partners has been expanded with a team of 11 lawyers, led by Roberto Cappelli who adds his name to the company title.
Opera invests in Minotti
Opera has acquired kitchen producer Minotti Cucine for around €3.2m.
Italy on a cliff
Italyтs economic situation is worsening. Might private equity play a role in the recovery? Kimberly Romaine reports from Milan.
Regional offices: a real asset for GPs?
At a time when competing for the best assets throughout the UK is proving crucial, do GPs need to look outside London and establish a regional presence? Greg Gille reports
GED Capital invests in Senerest
Spanish private equity house GED Capital has invested €4.5m in low-cost restaurant franchise Senerest.
Italian prospects: have your say
As the recovery takes a u-turn, what are the prospects for Italy?