Unquote
Disregard for antitrust compliance challenges PE
Antitrust allegations can lead to serious legal and financial struggles for GPs. Yet, antitrust compliance is still not a hot issue in private equity, according to Baker & McKenzie. Anneken Tappe reports
Sweden tops EC innovation despite incomplete eco-chain
Sweden has ranked highest in the European Innovation Union Scoreboard, but one industry professional has expressed his surprise at this success due to an тobvious lack in strategy for innovationт and тa terrible taxing system for entrepreneursт. Amy King...
Mid-cap valuations still stuck on pre-crisis levels
Activity nosedived in the second half of 2011, but the flight-to-quality phenomenon translated to very little movement on the entry multiples front. Greg Gille reports
BC European Capital IX closes at €6.5bn hard-cap
BC Partners has closed its ninth European Capital fund at the vehicle's тЌ6.5bn hard-cap.
EU leaders call for pan-European VC regime
Ahead of a summit on 1st March, David Cameron has joined 11 other EU leaders in a letter calling for the EU's economic policies to shift their focus from tough austerity cuts to growth-stimulating measures.
Quilvest closes two funds, launches new FoF
Global private equity manager Quilvest has raised in excess of $300m across two vehicles and is marketing a new $200m fund-of-funds.
GP commitments: PE houses feel the pressure
More than 80% of GPs are feeling pressure to up personal commitments to their funds, according to research by Investec.
GP consolidation in emerging markets
Middle Eastern private equity giant Abraaj Capital is buying emerging markets investor Aureos Capital.
Corporate divestments decline across Europe
As industry players remain cautious with regards to dealflow, unquote” data shows that the trend in domestic corporate divestments is heading downhill. Anneken Tappe reports
EU due to issue white paper on pensions directive
The European Commission will release a white paper in reaction to technical advice for the IORP Directive.
CalPERS appeals for higher capital gains tax
Joe Dear of CalPERS has voiced his support of an increase in capital gains tax that would hit the private equity industry.
First Reserve appoints COO for London office
First Reserve has appointed Claudi Santiago as managing director and chief operating officer in its London office, in a bid to strengthen its European presence.
Summit Partners opens India office
Private equity house Summit Partners has opened a new office in Mumbai, India, as part of efforts to help portfolio companies expand there.
Dodd-Frank fears "overblown"
The extensive requirements and wide reach of the US's Dodd-Frank Act has stirred up fears among European GPs. But law firm DLA Piper downplays worries, pointing to a number of available exemptions. Sonnie Ehrendal investigates.
KKR buys nursing home debt
KKR has purchased part of the loans of UK nursing home operator Four Seasons Health Care Group Ltd.
Volcker responds to Dodd-Frank criticism
Paul Volcker has argued in a response paper that private equity investments should be separated from commercial banking activities.
Market consolidation forcing FOFs to evolve
Funds-of-funds are an endangered species, with many shedding the title. Kimberly Romaine finds that today itтs all about diversification and tailoring your offering to prospective clients.
Early-stage deal rate highest in Europe
A look at early-stage activity in 2011 across Europe shows the DACH region is consistently the strongest player in the early-stage market, followed by the UK & Ireland.
Early-stage and Nordics stand out
2011 was a bleak year for the private equity industry, but it was still an improvement on 2010, writes Olivier Marty
Fragmented ecosystem hampering European venture
The debate surrounding the high returns enjoyed by Silicon Valley investors compared to their European counterparts continues. But why do stateside investments traditionally reap higher returns than those in European startups, and what needs to change...
Dow Schofield Watts opens Leeds office
Corporate finance advisers Dow Schofield Watts have opened a Leeds office, to be headed up by Roger Esler.
Could high-yield bonds tackle the refinancing wall?
The wall of refinancing, the burden of LBO debt set to mature in the next two years, is uncomfortably close, leaving the private equity industry to come up with a new structured product to preserve the credit line. But as the industry looks towards the...
France unquote" February 2012
French buyout house PAI partners has confirmed it is aiming to raise a £3bn fund this year – potentially staging a comeback following the 2009 power struggle that led to its previous vehicle being significantly downsized.
Adveq to boost headcount by 10%
Asset manager Adveq has announced it will increase its number of staff by 10% in 2012.