Sector
Buyout outlook - 2009 already written off
Europe will not see signs of a return to economic health until 2010 at best, suggests a new survey. By Mareen Goebel
A Darwinian time
Reports on the financial markets and global economy currently feel like a succession of bad news stories, and as 2009 rolls on this trend looks set to continue. This year also marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth. The timing could not...
GERMANY - Hasso Plattner Ventures and KfW invest in VIOSO
Hasso Plattner Ventures has, alongside KfW, invested in smart projecting company VIOSO.
UK - August portfolio company acquires Beech Care and Nursing
August Equity-backed Enara Group has acquired Beech Care and Nursing Agency Ltd, a provider of healthcare related services, for an undisclosed sum.
NETHERLANDS - 3i-backed VNU risks creditor take over
It is understood that 3i Group Plc is facing a possible creditor takeover at VNU Business Media Europe, the b2b publisher it acquired at the height of the buyout boom.
FRANCE - AGF leads EUR 6.5m investment into 24h00.fr
Returning investor AGF Private Equity has invested EUR 3.5m as part of a EUR 6.5m second round of funding for online retailer 24h00.fr, alongside Seventure Partners.
NORWAY - Government supports Argentum with NOK 2bn
Government-backed Norwegian LP Argentum has received NOK 2bn from in additional equity from the Norwegian government.
NORWAY - Investinor hires ten
Investinor, the Norwegian government-backed venture fund established in the autumn of 2008, has now completed the formation of its investment team with ten new hires.
UK - TPG lets Lueken go
Reports suggest that TPG Capital has parted with Bastian Lueken, who was based in London.
FRANCE - Balderton leads $12m Talend funding
Balderton Capital has provided $9m as part of a $12m third round of financing for Talend, an open-source software developer, with returning investor AGF Private Equity supplying the balance.
Some sunny day...
Following a near barren second half of 2008, which saw an almost complete drying up of debt financing amidst a collapse in the global banking sector, buyout houses will now be looking optimistically to the year ahead. However, it may be some time before...
UK - HIG acquires FNZ Holdings
HIG Europe has acquired financial services company FNZ Holdings Ltd for an undisclosed sum.
UK - Phoenix appoints two to management committee
Phoenix Equity Partners has appointed partners David Burns and Richard Dew to its Management Committee.
UK - Cognetas in restructuring talks
It is understood that Cognetas is in talks with lenders about restructuring the debts in four of its portfolio companies, namely: SGD, the 110-year-old French glassmaker; plastic surgery group Covenant Healthcare, owner of the UK's leading breast enhancement...
FINLAND - Bridgepoint launches EUR 162m offer for Terveystalo
Bridgepoint has launched a cash offer for listed Finnish healthcare provider Terveystalo Healthcare Oyj valuing the company at EUR 162m.
UK - Private equity to rescue Wolseley
Reports suggest that several private equity houses are among the potential investors in talks to save quoted building materials retailer Wolseley.
UK - 3i-led consortium to bid for Gatwick
According to reports, a consortium led by 3i and two Canadian pension funds is among at least five groups set to present their non-binding offers to Ferrovial for Gatwick airport, with analysts suggesting that the airport could be valued at ТЃ2bn.
FRANCE - Actem Partners exits Datavance
Actem Partners has sold its minority stake in Datavance, an IT services firm, to Adecco. Founders Stephane Lévy and Eric Rozanes retain a stake and remain with the company.
FRANCE - AXA PE purchases 16.7% stake in Lusis
AXA Private Equity has acquired parts of Fairchild's shareholding in software company Lusis. Following the transaction, AXA PE will hold a 16.7% stake in the company.
LUXEMBOURG - AFINUM acquires Wallenborn
German private equity house AFINUM Management GmbH has acquired transport logistics firm Wallenborn Group in a deal valued at EUR 25-50m.