Southern Europe
EUROPE - Revised Directive angers trade bodies
Another chapter has been added to the long-running saga of the EU Commission's AIFM Directive, with a new report calling for a removal of all fund size exemption thresholds sparking anger within the industry. By Ashley Wassall
SPAIN - Corpfin takes 65% stake in Sinaer
Corpfin Capital has acquired a 65% stake in aeronautics services firm Sinaer, in a deal valued at EUR 3m.
ITALY - Helio Capital and Siliken sign agreement for PV development
Renewable energy investor Helio Capital has signed an agreement with renewable energy solutions firm Siliken Italia for the development of six photovoltaic farms with total output of 6 MW.
GLOBAL - Apollo prepares to list on NYSE; revenues rise
Private equity house Apollo Global Management has revealed that its revenues rose in the third quarter as the firm plans its move to list on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
EUROPE - Wilson succeeds Russell as EVCA chairman
Apax partner Richard Wilson has been named the new chairman of the European Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (EVCA), succeeding Jonathan Russell of 3i.
EUROPE - JC Flowers makes two senior appointments in its London office
US buyout firm JC Flowers has made two appointments to its London office. Dr. David Morgan replaces Ravi Sinha as managing director for JCF Europe and Asia Pacific, and former FSA chairman, Sir Callum McCarthy, joins as chairman of JCF Europe, a newly...
ITALY - Alpha hires associate for Italian team
Alpha Groupe has appointed Francesco Rossi as associate to its Italian buyout and development capital team.
SPAIN – CAI-backed Imaginarium to list on MAB
Children's toy retailer Imaginarium, backed by the Caja de Ahorros Inmaculada private equity arm, CAI Desarrollo Empresarial, is due to list on the alternative market in Madrid, the Mercado Alternativo Bursátil (MAB).
EUROPE - TowerBrook, LPs address credit gap with lending unit
LPs started the year defaulting on capital calls and sending letters to GPs asking (or demanding) they refrain from drawing money. What a difference a year makes - now most are honouring their commitments (though the calls are admittedly few and far between)...
PORTUGAL - Espírito Santo Capital acquires 30% of Amal Group
Espírito Santo Capital has acquired a 30% stake in tube and silo maker Amal Group.
ITALY – HAL-backed Safilo recap uncertain
Dutch investor HAL Holding today announced that it will extend the offer to eyewear manufacturer Safilo's bondholders to 27 November, as currently only 43.01% of bonds were tendered, versus the 60% acceptance rate HAL reportedly requires to complete its...
EUROPE - EVCA adopts new governing structure
The European Private Equity and Venture Capital Association has today announced the adoption of a new governing structure, including the creation of a Public Affairs Executive (PAE), designed to allowthe industry to "speak with one voice".
ITALY - 360 Capital Partners to float Yoox
As reported in the most recent edition of Southern Europe unquote" , the flotation of online clothes & accessories retailer Yoox, which backed by 360 Capital Partners, has gone ahead, with the firm expecting to raise up to EUR 226m.
GLOBAL - CalPERS to renegotiate terms with Apollo
CalPERS, the California pension fund, is reportedly looking to revise the terms of its relationship with private equity firm Apollo Global Management, pushing for lower management fees, a reduction in commitments, and a renegotiation of other costs for...
SPAIN - Platina acquires Arico solar farm
Platina Partners has acquired the Arico solar energy farm, a 11MW facility in Tenerife, from energy company Endesa.
EUROPE - AIFM provisions a 'trap' for the PE industry
The new remuneration provisions contained in a fresh re-draft of the EU Commission's controversial AIFM Directive, which could require up to 60% of managers' variable pay to be deferred, has been described as a 'trap' for the industry. Deborah Sterescu...
GLOBAL - Meidlinger Partners holds $15m first close of cleantech fund
Meidlinger Partners has reached a first closing of its cleantech fund, Meidlinger Partners Sustainable Investments, on $15m.
ITALY - Market remains strong despite downturn
Speaking at the unquote" Italia private equity congress, Mara Caverni of PricewaterhouseCoopers argued that the Italian private equity market remains in good health despite the big declines witnessed in the last year, emphasising that "activity has,...
EUROPE - "We're on our way to next boom"
Speakers at this morning's unquote" Italia Private Equity Congress in Milan stressed that deals done in the next few months will reap stellar returns, but warned that the downturn may in fact prove too short.
SPAIN - Debaeque takes 10% in BuyVip
Venture firm Debaeque has invested an undisclosed sum in online private buyers club BuyVip, acquiring a 10% stake in the business.
EUROPE - Capstone appoints associate partner
Placement agent Capstone Partners has appointed Louis de Saint-Marcq as associate partner.
EUROPE - European Parliament report slams AIFM Directive
A new report released today has heaped heavy criticism on the AIFM Directive for being "hasty" and "weak". Ashley Wassall reports.
EUROPE - CBCF shakes up senior management
Close Brothers Corporate Finance has promoted Richard Madden, managing director and head of the media sector team, to CEO of the UK business, replacing Stephen Auselbrook, who had co-led both the European and UK businesses but will now focus on his role...
GREECE - PPF considers Wind bid
Czech private equity firm PPF Partners is rumoured to be considering a last minute offer to acquire indebted telecommunication business Wind Hellas, alongside Italian insurance firm Generali.