Sector
Expanding horizons
While the European private equity market lies in tatters, the ^Q1 2009 unquote" Private Equity Barometer, produced in association with Candover, announces optimistic statistics for the Benelux market. Although the region has been affected by debt issues,...
Running out of fuel
Unsurprisingly, private equity investment activity continues its deceleration amidst a bleak macroeconomic environment. By Rikke Lilla Eckhoff and Ashley Wassall
GERMANY - Hasso Plattner Ventures invests in Feedzilla
Hasso Plattner Ventures has invested an undisclosed sum into software company Feedzilla AG, alongside business angels Arnon Katz and Mehrdaad Piroozram.
NETHERLANDS - Cyrte acquires Bol.com
According to reports, pan-European investment firm Cyrte, has acquired online book retailer Bol.com from German media group Holtzbrinck Networks Verlag Welt and Bild in an auction organised by Goetz.
CEE - What's happening in Central & Eastern Europe?
Once the hottest destination for Western European GPs to access new markets, Central & Eastern Europe has firmly debunked the de-coupling theory when it comes to the economic crisis (see story below). Join unquote on 21 May in London for the third annual...
UK - PUK Ventures et al. invest £1.1m into Monica Healthcare
PUK Ventures has invested ТЃ750,000 as part of a funding round totalling just over ТЃ1m for Monica Healthcare Limited, alongside Catapult Venture Managers, University of Nottingham and private investors.
DACH – Target Partners II holds final close on EUR 113m
Venture firm Target Partners has conducted the final close of Target Partners Fund II on EUR 113m.
UK - LDC-backed Ultimate Products acquires Intempo
LDC-backed Ultimate Products, a homeware merchandise supplier, has acquired Manchester-based electronic equipment firm Intempo Digital for an undisclosed sum.
GLOBAL - KKR delays merger with European fund, again
Reports suggest that KKR has again delayed plans to merge with its Amsterdam-listed fund KKR Private Equity Investors (KPE).
GERMANY - Buyout groups circle Candover and Cinven's Springer
According to press reports, Candover and Cinven, the owners of Springer Science and Business Media, are making progress on divesting a minority stake in the business for about EUR 400m, with several major buyout houses said to be interested in a possible...
Night of the living debt
How the recession caught the private equity industry by surprise. Rikke Lilla Eckhoff speaks to professor Tim Jenkinson, contributing author to the European Economic Advisory Group report of the European Economy 2009
Mezz gets set to face challenges
With financing options remaining limited, many continue to assert that there are opportunities aplenty for mezzanine houses in the current market. However, there are still a range of obstacles to be overcome, writes Ashley Wassall
UK - 3i and Doughty further invest in Garlik
3i and Doughty Hanson Technology have led a ТЃ1.6m series-C funding round for online identity company Garlik, alongside management and individual investors.
UK - Acton et al. invest £10m into Glasses Direct
Acton Capital Partners has led a ТЃ10m second round of funding for prescription glasses retailer Glasses Direct, alongside return backers Index Ventures and Highland Capital Partners.