Southern Europe
Necessity is the mother of invention
Last year was a record one for Italy, which reported an increase of 12.5% in deals over 2006 figures. Spain reported similar success. However, we have already seen indications of a reduction in terms of volume and value of operations in Q1 2008
SPAIN – Caixa Catalunya & Polan invest in Innoliva
Caixa Catalunya, (through Invercartera) and Polan, the family office of the Del Pino family, have invested in olive oil producer Innoliva.
ITALY – MPS Venture exits from facility management firm
MPS Venture has announced the sale of its 25 percent stake in facility management firm Manutencoop to Manutencoop Società Cooperativa.
MALTA – Denham Capital Management invests in renewable player
Denham Capital Management has invested USD 200m in SunRay Renewable Energy to develop a portfolio of European solar energy projects.
SPAIN – Caja Navarra backs biotech project
Caja Navarra has acquired a 20% stake in pharmaceutical company CBlaya & MHuguet in a capital expansion deal valued at EUR 500,000.
EUROPE - KKR fund mystery
Confusion surrounds the progress of fundraising for KKR's latest European vehicle today, with some reports suggesting a EUR 6bn final close and others reporting that the fund is still in the fundraising process.
SPAIN – BCN Ventures and Uninvest to launch biotech fund
According to reports, BCN Ventures and Uninvest will soon launch a EUR 17m vehicle dedicated to biotechnology.
SPAIN – Ibersuizas invests in pharmaceutical company
Inversiones Ibersuizas has acquired a 5% stake in Natraceutical Group from its parent company in a PIPE deal valued at around EUR 13.5m. The price per share was EUR 0.82 per share.
FRANCE/ITALY – Investindustrial to acquire Selective Beauty
Investindustrial is to acquire a stake in perfumes and cosmetics company Selective Beauty from 3i.
SPAIN – Nomura launches turnaround fund in Spain
Japanese investment bank Nomura has launched Thesan Capital in Spain, a private equity house specialising in turnarounds.
SPAIN – Santander creates fund dedicated to renewable energy
Santander Private Equity, a subsidiary of Grupo Santander has launched Santander Energías Renovables I, a EUR 15m fund.
SPAIN – Banco Sabadell backs renewable energy player
Banco Sabadell, through its private equity arm Sinia Renovables, has acquired a 25% stake in renewable energy player Adelanta Corporación.
GLOBAL - Summit closes two funds
Summit Partners has closed two funds,a Europe-focused private equity fund on €1bn and its fourth subordinated debt fund on $825m. This brings the total amount Summit Partners has available for investment in North America, Europe and Asia to almost $6bn.
SPAIN – Arques takes over courier company
Arques Iberia, the Spanish subsidiary of Arques Industries has acquired parcel delivery service, Agencia Servicios Mensajeria (ASM), for a symbolic purchase price.
ITALY – BCC Private Equity backs sport leisure centre operator
According to reports, BCC Private Equity has invested in Swim Planet Holding a company dedicated to the construction and management of sport and fitness centres.
ITALY – Intesa Sanpaolo acquires 30% stake in Desmon
Fondo Mezzogiorno, managed by Gruppo Intesa Sanpaolo, has acquired a 30% stake in refrigerator system specialist Desmon.
SPAIN – Quercus portfolio company acquires electronics group
Odeco, a Quercus Equity portfolio company, has acquired MP Electronics a company specialising in the manufacture of display screens for use in the transport and advertising segment.
SPAIN - Candover-backed Parques Reunidos in new acquisition
Candover-backed Parques Reunidos has acquired leisure park Sea Life Park Hawaii following the acquisition of Dolphin Discovery group.
EUROPE - EIIB creates private equity practice
The European Islamic Investment Bank has established a private equity and corporate advisory department based in London.
ITALY – BS Private Equity in sale of Radici Film
BS Private Equity has sold packaging specialist Radici Film to Taghleef Industries, which is controlled by Dubai-based Al Ghurair Group.
GLOBAL – Industry leaders outline challenges at BVCA summit
At today's BVCA’s 25th Anniversary VIP Summit, run in association with unquote”, market leaders hammered out what they believe to be the major challenges facing the industry in the year to come.
SPAIN – Apax-backed Panrico acquires biscuit manufacturer
Apax-backed Panrico has acquired biscuit manufacturer Artiach, which consists of some 20 Kraft biscuit brands.