
Expanding horizons
With Western markets bruised and battered from the credit crunch, coupled with rising inflation and slower growth, buyout and venture funds are spreading their wings to emerging Europe, where the markets have largely escaped the global gloom. This was recently discussed at the unquote" CEE Private Equity Congress in London, where triple-digit IRRs and billione-Euro funds were celebrated
Nordic GPs have taken note: CapMan has paved the way for its expansion East by acquiring Norum, a Russian buyout house (page 12). By doing so, CapMan will gain a platform from which it can effectively make the leap into the CEE region and enhance its own portfolio of future top performers.
Other Nordic GPs, including venture, could follow suit. With the education levels very high in CEE, a new generation of super entrepreneurs could tempt Nordic venture capitalists. However, even if the benefits are clear, expanding into new geographies also bears new risks. Hence, teaming up with a local expert is a prudent move by CapMan, and may be the first of other consolidation moves in the future.
Finally, this is my last issue as editor of Nordic unquote". I have truly enjoyed following the Nordic venture and private equity market during my tenure as editor. Throughout the turbulence in the global financial markets, the Nordic region stands out as a place where winning groups continue their strong fundraising momentum and deal-doing remains robust compared to other markets in Europe. I fervently believe that the asset class will continue to gain an even stronger foothold in the regional markets in the future.
It has been a privilege to meet all of you and I would like to thank the various teams that have been nothing but forthcoming and whose level of dedication and professionalism has been superb. I am confident that the new editor, Rikke Lilla Eckhoff, will continue to deliver top quality news that ensures Nordic unquote" remains a "must read".
Yours sincerely,
Linn Ronning
Nordic Editor, unquote"
Tel: +44 20 7484 9824
linn.roenning@incisivemedia.com.
Latest News
Stonehage Fleming raises USD 130m for largest fund to date, eyes 2024 programme
Multi-family office has seen strong appetite, with investor base growing since 2016 to more than 90 family offices, Meiping Yap told Unquote
Permira to take Ergomed private for GBP 703m
Sponsor deploys Permira VIII to ride new wave of take-privates; Blackstone commits GBP 200m in financing for UK-based CRO
Partners Group to release IMs for Civica sale in mid-September
Sponsor acquired the public software group in July 2017 via the same-year vintage Partners Group Global Value 2017
Change of mind: Sponsors take to de-listing their own assets
EQT and Cinven seen as bellweather for funds to reassess options for listed assets trading underwater