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Rekindling VCs' passion for online dating
As the internet dating industry enjoys its busiest period, with singletons rushing online to prevent a lonesome Valentineтs Day, Ellie Pullen asks if European venture is ready to rekindle its romance with the sector
Stable markets and high liquidity to boost Nordic exits
The Nordic region saw disappointing dealflow in 2013, despite an open and liquid financing market - but the industry is upbeat on exit prospects for 2014. Karin Wasteson reports
Siparex raises €200m for MidMarket III fund
French GP Siparex has held a final close for its MidMarket III vehicle on €200m, exceeding its €150m target. Greg Gille reports
German PE tempted by allure of Luxembourg LPs
With a government promising to keep industry regulation fine-tuned to the benefit of its denizens, Luxembourg has become a hotspot for GPs in post-AIFMD Europe. Ellie Pullen reports
Italian GPs cash in as valuation gap narrows
Last year was challenging for Italian private equity; fundraising remained low and exits were few and far between – though stuttering deal volume was punctuated by a handful of large buyouts, boosting deal value. But it wasn’t all bad. Amy King reports...
Q4 Barometer: dealflow bounces back
Following a weak Q3, the final months of 2013 marked the strongest quarter of the year, according to the latest unquoteт Private Equity Barometer, published in association with SL Capital Partners.
Video: Dunedin's Middleton on UK mid-market challenges
Managing partner talks to Kimberly Romaine in video Q&A
Fundraises to flotations: a promising year for the UK
The UK market witnessed swathes of fund closes and a surprising number of IPOs last year. But will this positive trend continue in 2014? Alice Murray reports
Unified board vital for turnaround success
Unified boards
Cautious optimism in France as government unveils pro-business policies
New research by trade body Afic reveals improving sentiment among local GPs in the second half of last year – a positive trend likely to be further boosted by the government’s newfound social democrat leanings. Greg Gille reports
Should UK SMEs boost non-EU exports?
In the last two years there has been a spate of government initiatives aimed at increasing UK SME exports to non-EU markets. But is this the right strategy for economic growth and is the public sector best placed to advise? Alice Murray reports
EQT closes €1.1bn mid-market fund
After more than a decade of swelling fund sizes, EQT has returned to its roots by closing a mid-market fund on €1.1bn.
Deal in Focus: Isis exits Kafevend to trade
Isis Equity Partnersт sale of coffee vending machine company Kafevend to Eden Springs highlights the importance of diversification and flexibility from consumer to contract in the B2B drinks market.
Fintech: throwing down the gauntlet to financial services
Financial technology dealflow is growing at a steady pace and the banks are taking note. Amy King investigates the drivers and challenges behind the fintech revolution.
Photo apps: negative returns or still developing?
As Facebook loses favour with the cool kids, hipsters are turning to Instagram, Snapchat or the latest photo sharing app to get their social network kicks. The question is, how long will consumersт love of photo apps last and are they still worth the...
UK Watch: 2013 goes out with a bang
A strong final quarter for 2013 saw deal volume and overall value hold up well across the board in the UK, showing a marked improvement on the first quarter of the year, according to the latest unquoteт UK Watch, published in association with Corbett...
Acquisition finance: breaking with tradition
Acquisition finance
Capvis Equity IV hits €720m hard-cap
Capvis Equity Partners has held a final close for Capvis Equity IV on its €720m hard-cap.
Acquisition finance: alternative thinking
Despite bringing much-needed liquidity and competition to the debt market, many GPs are still wary of alternative lenders. Alice Murray pits traditional lenders against these alternatives to find out which has the upper hand.
Italian luxury sector home to strongest European IPO of 2013
Italian luxury
Mutual understanding: Private equity and the UK government
PE and the State