Unquote Data
Early-stage deals bounce back in Q4
After a slow summer, early-stage investments took off in Q4, according to the latest unquote” Private Equity Barometer, published in association with Arle Capital Partners.
Growth equity deals enjoy Q4 uptick
Growth capital investment activity recovered substantially in Q4 following a poor third quarter, but remains low compared to recent historical averages.
Mega-buyouts bolster Q4 activity figures
The €11.6bn overall enterprise value of Q4’s large-cap deals is the largest total since the third quarter of 2010, which itself was by some margin ahead of every quarter since Q3 2007 (see chart).
Retail sector activity benefits from economic woes
The current economy has forced most retail businesses to rethink their strategy, leaving enough space for private equity firms to come in and get their share.
Germany quiets down in Q4
After a substantial increase in deal activity in Q3, the German private equity market grew quieter again towards the end of 2012.
PE-backed IPOs few and far between in 2012
Moleskine might make headlines if and when it finally lists on the stock market later this year, but flotations remained a seldom-explored exit route for GPs in 2012, continuing a trend initiated in 2008.
Cinemas could be the big deal in 2013
While Terra Firma is considering getting out of the movie business, its private equity competitors could see some very attractive investment opportunities this year.
European buyout dealflow falls 30% year-on-year
Despite a strong showing by the UK market, European buyout activity fell by almost a third volume-wise in 2012, according to unquote” data.
Frozen Nordic market
In just two years, Sweden has lost half of its deal volume, showing that even the popular Nordics are not immune from Europe's economic drag.
Software and retail lead 2012 exit league
General retailers and software & computer services lead the exit rankings for 2012.
French deal volume at 14-year low
French investment volumes in 2012 are set to be the lowest seen in the country for over a decade, according to the latest figures from unquote” data.
UK mega-buyouts worth more than €10bn this year
In defiance of problems on the continent, the UK has seen a surge in mega-buyouts this year, topped off with the recent acquisition of Annington Homes for £3.2bn.
Volume of exits increases in October
After a slow September, exits picked up again last month, but overall volume seems lower as the year comes to an end.
The pitfalls of turnaround investing
Turnarounds are in the news once again, with the decision by specialist investor OpCapita to put struggling electricals retailer Comet into administration. Last week, Deloitte took over the administration of the business, and on Monday made over 300 staff...
Sweden continues to lead Nordics
Sweden outpaced its Scandinavian neighbours in the 12 months leading up to November. A SVCA study shows that industry optimism returned just in time for year-end.
Swedish authorities continue to press for tax change
Sweden's tax authorities are vehemently pushing for a change in the taxation of proceeds for private equity fund managers.
Turkey rises to the challenge
Turkey is slowly but surely establishing itself as a prominent market for private equity in Central and Eastern Europe along with Russia and Poland.
Industrials and consumer see most volume in 2012 to date
The industrial and consumer sectors outperformed other major industries in terms of deal volume between January and September 2012.
The unquote” forecast: Total buyouts fall by 22% in 2012
After buyouts picked up again in 2010 and 2011, this year's forecast predicts a drop in both value and volume. Anneken Tappe reports
CEE picking up the pace
Dealflow in the CEE region picked up slightly in August, and the handful of deals closed so far in September hints at a busy Autumn ahead.
Successful exits bring venture back into the game
Venture is bouncing back since its 2008 trough, and now sees over 50 exits per year in Europe. These exits are not just about quantity, but also quality, with some of Europe's best-loved VCs sharing the limelight with lesser known players.
European buyout dealflow picks up in July
European private equity dealflow remained stable in July, with an increase in buyout activity making up for lackluster growth capital and early-stage investments, resulting in a significant value uptick.
Healthcare investments wane after strong Q2
Investment in the healthcare industry is facing tough times as total deal value falls to its lowest level in 18 months.
Financials regain traction in summer
After a strong start in January, investments in financials slumped in both volume and value, following a bumpy path before gaining some more traction again in July.