Analysis
Hedge funds: A new source of dealflow
The credit crisis has left hedge funds holding on to unwanted equity stakes. Could this be a new source of dealflow for private equity buyers? Sonnie Ehrendal investigates
£14bn raised: but how to spend it?
European fund closes totalling nearly €14bn have been announced in the past fortnight. Deal data suggests it may be a bit much, and that not all are equipped to manage it. Kimberly Romaine reports
unquote" regulation update: Basel III
In this week's unquote" regulation update, Anneken Tappe looks at the latest developments regarding Basel III.
CEE: Gearing up for a busier 2012
Successes persevere in Central and Eastern Europe, despite subdued deal activity, and concerns over currency volatility and financing. Greg Gille reports
Lack of metrics stalls progress of social impact investment
The impact investment industry, which focuses on firms with a positive social impact, stands at a crossroads. Following the swift growth of microfinance, the most mature of impact investment sectors, the burgeoning asset class is emerging within venture...
Buyout recovery stalls at one third peak levels
Europe’s buyout market recovery stalled at just a third of the level seen at its peak, according to data from the unquote” European Buyout Review 2012.
Exit volumes surge despite tough conditions
unquote” data shows that exit volumes surged in 2011 as private equity houses sought to satisfy investor demands, but it is uncertain if this trend will continue in 2012. Anneken Tappe reports.
unquote" regulation update: Solvency II
In this week's unquote" regulation update, Anneken Tappe looks at the latest developments in Solvency II.
French SBO boom: no end in sight?
France’s booming buyout market is being fuelled by a glut of SBOs. However, more primary deal activity will be needed to maintain the market’s momentum. Greg Gille reports
BVK calls on industry to remain calm on regulation
Despite its economic importance, the German private equity industry is struggling against a tide of regulatory pressure and a hostile political environment. But the BVK says despite recent negative publicity, new regulations are not set out to destroy...
Rethinking LP funds
Alternatives to LP funds, such as listed private equity and deal-by-deal, are all gaining in popularity as their merits become more obvious in today's backdrop. Kimberly Romaine reports
unquote" regulation update: AIFMD
In this week's unquote" regulation update, Anneken Tappe looks at the latest developments surrounding the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive.
Private equity set to take centre stage in Italy
The current lack of bank lending for family-run SMEs spells good news for Italian private equity. But a growing focus on innovation might also give venture a much-needed boost. Amy King reports
Matrix hits grand slam for deals, exits in 2011
As the downturn drags on, most GPs are laying low and hoarding cash. One small buyout house stood out for achieving four investments and four new exits in 2011 – and has just announced its independence. Kimberly Romaine reports
BGF: “We are not scraping the bottom of the barrel”
Business Growth Fund (BGF) chief executive Stephen Welton today addressed concerns about the fund’s approach to financing small UK businesses. Greg Gille reports
Creative industries perceived as risky business
Unquote” data reveals that the volume of investments in the creative industries has fallen while their value has risen. Investor risk aversion amidst economic volatility could be behind the fall in volume in a sector commonly perceived as risky business,...
French mid-market continues steady climb
French mid-market buyouts staged a startling recovery last year, confirming that the 2010 uptick wasn’t a fluke – but can they keep climbing back to historical levels in the face of a tough environment? Greg Gille reports
Swiss tax treaties could open doors for further crackdowns
Sweden is the latest European country to sign a Rubik tax treaty with Switzerland. Sonnie Ehrendal reports
VCT MBOs must continue, says ICAEW
Proposed changes may strip VCTs’ of their ability to back buyouts – but this would have dire consequences, according to ICAEW’s CF head. Kimberly Romaine reports.
Regional investors vital for economic recovery
Regional devolution has been favoured by some private equity firms as a means of boosting dealflow. However, despite the merits of a regional presence, unquote” data reveals that investments backed by regional players has fallen since 2005. Perhaps...
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 “obvious lack in strategy for innovation” and “a terrible taxing system for entrepreneurs”....
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
UK technology a safe haven for investment
The low growth potential of Europe is augmenting investor caution. The resulting search for reliable returns may see activity in UK technology companies rise. Amy King investigates