Southern Europe
IPOs: will they float or flounder?
The recent IPO frenzy will prove a blip, according to a recent unquote” poll. By Rikke Eckhoff
Explorer's Gascan buys network operations in Portugal for €1.5m
Explorer Investments-backed Gascan, a propane gas distributor, has spent €1.5m acquiring various network operators in Portugal.
PAI interested in dairy producer Ebro Puleva
PAI Partners has reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Spanish dairy producer Ebro Puleva.
3i-led consortium favourite bidder for E.ON Italian gas grid
According to reports, a 3i-led consortium, which includes Italian gas supplier Erogasmet, has been selected by E.ON for the acquisition of its Italian gas grid; the deal has been estimated at over €300m.
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.
Denham divests SunRay
Denham Capital Partners have divested SunRay Renewable Energy an solar photovoltaic developer to US-based trade player SunPower, the total consideration for the acquisition is approximately $277m, including $235m in cash and $42m in a letter of credit...
Q&A: Intermediate on high ground
Deborah Sterescu speaks to Christophe Evain, managing director of ICG, on expectations for recovery and why high-yield is not a long-term threat for mezzanine.
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.
Pantheon acquired by AMG
Fund-of-funds manager Pantheon Ventures is to be acquired by US-based Affiliated Managers Group (AMG) for $775m.
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...
California mis-places the agents
CalPERS, CalSTERS trickier to access – 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 Medica’s 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.