Southern Europe
Green spark: Renewables still generating returns
Despite the difficult economic backdrop, environmental infrastructure continues to prove attractive to investors. By Francinia Protti-Alvarez
Nauta in €1.5m round for Abiquo
Venture firm Nauta has led a €1.5m round for technology firm Abiquo, contributing €1m to the round and closing the first deal of its third fund Nauta III.
Trimming down: Northzone reflects new reality for venture funds
While the newly-launched Northzone fund is in many ways a rare success for European venture fundraising in the current market, its modest target reflects the continuing difficulties in securing commitments. By Rikke Eckhoff.
The only way is up: new poll reveals strong optimism for 2010
Most readers are optimistic for the year ahead - but cynics have good cause for concern. By Kimberly Romaine.
Q&A: Spain's evasive buyout market
The Spanish buyout market has had to jump over many hurdles these past couple of years. Francinia Protti-Alvarez speaks to José Angel Sarasa, president and CEO at Baring Private Equity Partners España, on its present state and future challenges.
CRB's OWL Genomics acquires 70% stake of MD Renal
Cross Road Biotech (CRB) portfolio company OWL Genomics has acquired a 70% stake in sector business MD Renal.
Cape in €900m proposal to build cars in Sicily
Cimino & Associates Private Equity (Cape), has presented an offer to the Italian government to build electric cars in Sicily.
Clave Mayor invests €4.5m in Ibetor
Spanish mid-market operator, Clave Mayor has invested €4.5m in technology business Ibetor via its Seguranza fund.
General Atlantic appoints senior advisor for Europe
General Atlantic (GA) has appointed Mike McTighe as special advisor to the firm in Europe.
Q&A: views on the Spanish mid-market
Spanish mid-market player Nazca recently saw it’s cornerstone, Fortis, sell its stake to AlpInvest. The new investor simultaneously backed the buyout of Nazca from Fortis. Fracinia Protti-Alvarez speaks to Álvaro Mariátegui and Carlos Carbó from Nazca...
California mis-places the agents
CalPERS, CalSTERS trickier to access т but for the wrong reasons, reports Kimberly Romaine
AXA's Spotless sale points to return of competitive auction
In the last year the competitive auction has become a rarity, as buyers became unwilling to bid up prices and sought extensive exclusivity. Now, though, they could be back on the cards.
Italy's solar market heats up
Earlier this week UK-based investor Amplio Group connected two solar PV plants in Italy and plans to connect an additional four by the end of the month – all in all a €13m deal.
BC and AXA's Medica set to become latest listing
French care home business Medicaтs flotation could be a sign that the IPO market is in rude health.
Amplio invests in solar project
Dedicated environmental investors The Amplio Group has completed and connected two plants of 1MW each expecting to connect four additional 1MW plants by the end of the month.
Advent latest to hunt on Warsaw Exchange
Advent's EUR 100m buyout of WsiP marks the second take-private in two months from one of Europe's busiest stock markets. But why are investors choosing Warsaw? Kimberly Romaine reports
Doughty-backed Avanza acquires two new concessions
Doughty Hanson transport business, Grupo Avanza has made two acquisitions previously managed by Grupo Trapsa.
Going for growth
Louis Elson, co-founder and managing partner of Palamon Capital Partner talks to Rikke Eckhoff about the benefits of the growth capital model in a financial crisis.
Buyouts 2009: The year of lost opportunities
Despite plenty of "dry powder," 2009 ranks as one of the worst years in private equity history. Eckhoff and Eftimiu present unquote"s European Buyout Review
Banca Leonardo shuts down PE activities
The wave of structural reorganisations has hit Italyтs Banca Leonardo, which is one of the recent banks to decide to re-focus its activities, towards its advisory and wealth management and away private equity division.