Southern Europe
Tide of capital has gone out
Deborah Sterescu asks Dr Jim Strang, director of fund investments at Dunedin Capital Partners, about today's challenging fundraising climate
Ram-shackled
Following the hostile response to the EU Commission's proposed Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive by private equity trade bodies, unquote" invited five prominent lawyers to share their views on the impact the new legislation could have on...
A test of nerve
The usually lively period that preceeds the quiet summer months has been anything but vivacious. Rather, many are looking towards the summer hopeful that the bottom of the market is close and the only way is up. But it is likely that, not for the first...
SPAIN - 3i-backed Boomerang TV acquires 3Koma
3i-backed broadcasting group Boomerang TV has acquired Basque television content producer 3Koma for an undisclosed sum.
SPAIN - Inveready and La Caixa back AQsense
Venture investors Inveready and La Caixa Capital Risc have invested a EUR 300,000 as part of a EUR 500,000 funding round for visual systems start-up AQsense, taking a 30% stake in the business.
EUROPE - Osmosis to raise EUR 200m for new fund-of-funds
Reports suggest that newly launched fund-of-funds manager Osmosis Capital is seeking to raise EUR 200m for its inaugral fund, which will target investments into low carbon technology funds.
ITALY - F2i and AXA acquire 80% of Enel’s gas network
F2i and AXA Private Equity have acquired an 80% stake in Enel Rete Gas SpA from its parent Enel Distribuzione SpA, in a deal valued at EUR 480m.
SPAIN - N+1 decides against distressed fund
N+1 has decided against raising a EUR 300m fund for distressed assets, citing possible conflicts of interest with its corporate finance division.
ITALY - Buyout interest in Banca Fideuram
Reports suggest that several buyout houses have expressed an interest in bidding for Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo's subsidiary Banca Fideuram, which could have a price tag of up to EUR 3bn.
US/EUROPE - Houlihan Lokey re-hires Justin Abelow
International investment bank Houlihan Lokey has re-hired Justin Abelow to resume his role as managing director of the financial sponsors coverage group.
ITALY - PAI's Saeco sold to Philips
According to reports PAI Partners has sold portfolio company Saeco International Group SpA, a manufacturer of coffee machines, to Royal Philips Electronics NV for an estimated EUR 200m.
SPAIN - Arcano hires former RBS M&A exec
Arcano Capital has appointed Jorge Vasallo as partner in charge of corporate finance.
SPAIN - Landon carries out EUR 28m capital increase
Landon Investments, the venture capital arm of Spanish family office Grupo Corporativo Landon, has completed a EUR 28m capital increase.
GREECE - TLcom and Alpha Ventures invest EUR 11m into Upstream
London-based TLcom Capital LLP and Greek investor VC Alpha Ventures have co-led an EUR 11m financing round for mobile content provider Upstream Telecommunications.
EUROPE - SEP appoints general counsel
Venture capital firm SEP has hired Andrew Buchan as general counsel.
EUROPE - 3i sells venture portfolio for less than half value
London-based private equity firm 3i has reportedly sold its venture portfolio to an unnamed bidder for around £100m, a substantial discount to the approximate £250m book value.
EUROPE - Platina launches new asset management company
London-based Platina Partners, a private equity fund manager specialising in renewable energy and buyouts in turnaround situations, has launched a new asset management company, Engineering Renewables Ltd (ERL).