Southern Europe
unquote" European Overview hitting desks
Look out for the latest edition of the unquote" European Overview, which is due to hit desks today. As usual, the monthly edition provides unquote" subscribers with a summary of the European private equity activity over the past four weeks, featuring...
Italy: Buyout activity falls despite stable economy
In contrast to other Southern European countries, Italyтs banking system held up relatively well during the financial crisis. But has its private equity industry shown the same resilience?
Private equity putting money in the banks
Private equity has touched on almost all of Europeтs major industries over the years. However, the financial services have historically represented a relatively minor target group for buyout houses, despite its prominence in Europeтs largest economies....
Alpha looking to exit Metallum and Rhiag
Alpha Associates is set to sell two of its largest portfolio companies, Metallum and Rhiag, according to media reports.
Industry pushes ahead with fundraisings
Fundraising is surging forwards in early 2011, with a raft of funds launching and reaching closes in the past month. Following news that Blackstone has raised $15bn for one of the largest private equity funds ever seen, how are other players responding...
Inveready and Caja Navarra invest in Neurotec Pharma
Inveready Seed Capital and Caja Navarra have acquired a 34% stake in pharmaceutical firm Neurotec Pharma.
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...
Southern Europe unquote" February 2011
Investindustrial and Palladio Finanziaria have acquired 50.68% of Italy’s biggest racetrack and sports betting manager, Snai, for €136m.
South Africa congress looks ahead
unquoteтs 4th annual South Africa Private Equity Congress kicks off in two weeksт time, and will see many of Africaтs biggest investors come together to discuss the issues facing this up-and-coming market.
Spain welcomes Extremadura Avante
The founders of private equity firm Extremadura Avante have applied to Spain’s Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores to approve its creation.
Riverside invests in Orliman
Global private equity firm The Riverside Company has invested in Spanish company Orliman, a Valencia-based manufacturer of non-invasive orthopaedic products.
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 marketтs outlook, according to figures from the latest unquoteт Private Equity Barometer.
Investindustrial and Palladio-backed Global Games acquires Snai
Investindustrial and Palladio Finanziaria-backed Global Games is poised to acquire 50.68% of Italian company Snai from Snai Servizi at a price of €2.36 per share.
Permira and AXA to make €500m bid for Opodo
Permira and AXA Private Equity are set to make a €500m joint bid tomorrow for Opodo, the online travel unit of Amadeus IT Holding.
Have your say: Industry positive on 2011 dealflow
Readers of unquoteт are positive about the outlook for this year, but remain concerned about the future, according to our end of year survey.
Change buys Rossopomodoro from Quadrivio
Change Capital Partners has acquired a majority stake in Vesevo, owner of casual dining restaurant chain Rossopomodoro, from Italian mid-market specialist Quadrivio.
Reus Capital and Inverpyme exit ProAseptic Technologies
Venture capital firms Reus Capital and Inverpyme have sold ProAseptic Technologies to the Spanish subsidiary of Sealed Air Corporation.
Diana Capital II holds first close on €100m
Spanish private equity firm Diana Capital has held a first closing for its second fund, Diana Capital II, on €100m.
Syntegra and Index invest in Moleskine
Existing owner Syntegra Capital and new investor Index Ventures have injected fresh capital into Italian notebook and diary brand Moleskine.
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...
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
Ibersuizas-backed Festa goes into administration
Ibersuizas portfolio company Festa has gone into administration, marking the second private equity-backed fashion retailer to enter bankruptcy proceedings in a week.
Intesa and Innogest-backed Silicon Biosystems forms US subsidiary
An Italy-based portfolio company of Atlante Ventures and Innogest Capital have formed a US subsidiary to focus on its commercial operations.