Southern Europe
Venturing into the unknown
With distributions down since the internet bust, exit doors shut and fundraising at a standstill, the venture capital industry in the US - and elsewhere - is at a crossroads. Smaller firms, lower returns and adapting to a global market are the next likely...
SPAIN - N+1-backed Eolia sells wind farms to RWE
According to reports, N+1-backed Eolia Renovables has agreed to sell its 49% stake in three wind farms in Soria to co-owner RWE.
SPAIN - Arcano launches EUR 200m fund-of-funds
Arcano Private Equity has launched Arcano Earth Fund, a private equity fund-of-funds focusing on clean technologies and renewable energy fund managers around the world, targeting commitments of between EUR 200-250m.
SPAIN - HgCapital acquires fifth Spanish solar plant
HgCapital, alongside local partners, has acquired a 5MW photovoltaic (PV) project from Montebalito SA and Invercartera Energia.
SPAIN - Foresight acquires 9MW Spanish solar plant
Foresight Group has acquired a 9MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in the Castilla-La Mancha region from Banco Santander for an undisclosed sum.
GLOBAL - CALPERS to allocate extra $9bn to private equity
The California Public Employees Retirement System (CALPERS) is considering a new asset mix, which could see the LP allocate an additional $9bn to private equity.
EUROPE - RHJ joins suitors for European GM assets
According to reports, Belgian buyout firm RHJ International is interested in acquiring General Motor's European assets, and is said to consider an offer for Adam Opel GmbH, amongst others.
SPAIN – Dinamia writes down BodyBell and Colegios Laude
Dinamia, the listed vehicle of N+1 Private Equity has written down its investments in personal goods retailer Bodybell and private schools group Colegios Laude.
SPAIN - Quercus-backed Alfanext acquires Música Viva
Audiovisual and stage services Grupo Alfanext, controlled by private equity firm Quercus Equity, has acquired audio and lighting specialist Música Viva.
EUROPE - Skype founders to raise new venture fund
According to reports, Atominco Ventures, the investment vehicle of Skype co-founders Niklas ZennstrУЖm and Janus Friis, is raising a new USD 266m fund.
UK/SPAIN - Nordic Venture and LongAcre divest Player X
Nordic Venture Partners and LongAcre Partners backed entertainment company Player X has been acquired by Spanish mobile content and service provider Zed Group (formerly La Netro Zed), owned by US private equity firm Veronis Suhler Stevenson (VSS). The...
Europe - Merrill Lynch divests stake in Kreos Capital III
Investment bank Merrill Lynch has reportedly divested its original тЌ150m commitment in venture debt fund Kreos Capital III, the 2006 vintage fund of Kreos Capital.
Europe - 3i confirms £732m rights issue
In a press conference this morning, 3i's CEO Michael Queen confirmed plans to raise ТЃ732m in a rights issue that would optimise the value of its current portfolio, reduce debt and strengthen the company's 'perceived weak position' in the market.
ITALY - IDeA appoints new chairman
IDeA Alternative Investments (AI) has appointed Lino Benassi as chairman, bringing 40 years' experience to the job.
GERMANY/ITALY - Mid Europa Partners sells three companies to CER
Mid Europa Partners has sold three companies to CER Europe Holdings, a portfolio company of Atlas Holdings.
SPAIN - AC Desarrollo ups its stake in Musgo to 87.5%
AC Desarrollo, the private equity arm of Grupo Ahorro Corporación, has carried out a capital increase in chain retailer Musgo - upping its stake to 87.5%.
SPAIN - Mercapital takes majority stake in Grupo Diagnóstico
According to reports, Mercapital has acquired a majority stake in medical imaging firm Grupo Diagnóstico Recoletas.
GLOBAL - RBS drops global head of financial sponsors position
Royal Bank of Scotland has reportedly scrapped the position of global head of financial sponsors as a response to 'market conditions'. Fiona Paulus, who became global financial sponsors head last year, has been said to have moved to a new position as...
EUROPE - NBGI Venures boosts investment team
NBGI Ventures has hired John Milad to its investment team.
GLOBAL - Houlihan Lokey hires corporate finance MD
International investment bank Houlihan Lokey has hired Tad Flynn as managing director of corporate finance.
EUROPE/ITALY - Foresight expands European Solar Team
Foresight Group has strengthened its Solar Team with the appointment of Pietro Zerauschek as technical director in the firms Rome office.
EUROPE - Pomona Capital hires partner in Europe
International private equity firm Pomona Capital has appointed Oliver Gardey as partner.