Analysis
Investing in technology: it's not a bubble, but…
Taylor Wessing's Ed Waldron and Jonny Bethell wonder whether the recent appetite for tech businesses is sustainable.
Deal in focus: Maven buys SPS in MBO
Maven Capital Partnersт ТЃ7.25m management buyout of promotional goods producer SPS highlights improved confidence in the UK economy as businesses increase marketing budgets. Alice Murray reports
Large-cap segment boosts DACH deal totals
Buyout activity was buoyed by a handful of large-cap deals in 2013. But is there hope for a brighter future further down the value scale? Amy King reports
CEE: Activity picks up despite ongoing fundraising woes
An uptick in dealflow in the second half of last year has left local players hopeful for a more sustained recovery. Greg Gille reports
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
Deal in focus: uniQure raises $91.8m in IPO
Netherlands-based uniQure’s debut on the Nasdaq marks one of the latest in a string of European venture capital-backed biotechs flocking to the US markets, but the lack of activity in Europe's public markets does not necessarily equate to a slowdown in...
Deal in focus: SEP drives car financing deal
Scottish Equity Partnersт (SEP) ТЃ8m investment in Car Loan 4U picks up on the growing need for online consumer finance as well as increased demand for cars in the UK.
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
Trade buyer appetite boosts mid-cap valuations
Mid-cap valuations
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...
Deal in focus: Montezemolo, Amadeus and Keensight sell Octo
Octo Telematics' backers, seeking a buyer for the Rome-based firm, profited from Renova Group's appetite for high-tech investments relevant to the Russian market.
Public scrutiny bolsters appeal of onshore funds in the Nordics
Nordic onshore funds
Deal in focus: KKR nets Hertha Berlin
Private equity behemoth KKR acquired an equity stake of 9.7% in German football club Hertha BSC last week, one component of the €61.2m investment from its $2bn Special Situations fund.
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
Regulation could stifle responsible investment, warn industry players
Responsible investment
Placement agents: a dying breed?
The placement agent industry has attracted criticism of late, with some labelling it as nothing more than a glorified introductory business. As fundraising becomes more complex, Alice Murray investigates how relevant this advisory service is
Deal in Focus: Herkules acquires Didriksons
Herkules Capitalтs acquisition of Didriksons, a Swedish functional clothing brand, highlights the growing appeal of Nordic sportswear for consumers.