Analysis
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
Could venture capital cure youth unemployment crisis?
Unemployment is rife in Southern Europe. Particularly afflicted are the younger members of society, unable to enter the impenetrable job market. But could venture capital play a part in lightening the heavy burden of youth unemployment in the Mediterranean?...
AFIC calls for staff stakes in PE-backed firms
French private equity trade body AFIC has drafted a proposal to simplify and extend the incentivisation mechanism for employees of PE-backed businesses.
DACH venture scene remains on top form
While the rest of Europe has suffered from a low deal volume in 2011, the DACH early-stage sector is going strong. Considering the well-established venture scene, it is not surprising that this region has dominated early-stage in Q4 2011.
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.
Market consolidation forcing FOFs to evolve
Funds-of-funds are an endangered species, with many shedding the title. Kimberly Romaine finds that today it’s all about diversification and tailoring your offering to prospective clients.
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...
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...
Introducing unquote” analysis
In the next few days a new magazine with a familiar logo will be landing on the desks of private equity professionals across Europe, unquote” analysis.
French presidential election spells bad news for PE industry
The regulatory landscape is getting tougher across Europe for private equity - but French players might have more to worry about than most, as presidential candidates unveil measures that could affect the industry. Greg Gille reports
Accel to set returns record with 700x Facebook multiple
With Facebook finally filing its IPO, the world of venture capital is about to see a new returns record, with Accel Partners expected to reap a vast money multiple on its $12.7m investment.
Euro breakup should be orderly - Dunedin CEO
The ongoing eurozone crisis is a concern on the mind of many PE players, potentially threatening access to financing and the growth prospects of portfolio companies. But, in what could prove to be a controversial view, Dunedin CEO Ross Marshall foresees...
LP caution hits life science investments
Universities can be a safe environment to raise funds and develop ideas. But it looks like university clusters are losing their pull factors in the eye of diminishing returns to investors. Anneken Tappe investigates
Monti lays out plans to bolster Italian VC market
Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti has introduced changes to the rules regarding venture capital investments in SMEs. Amy King reports
AIFMD timetable too short, says FSA
The risk of disproportionate regulation and a lack of implementation time for the AIFMD have been highlighted by the FSA in its latest discussion paper. Anneken Tappe reports
2011 a bumper year for Nordic fundraising
Fundraising activity declined slightly in 2011 compared to the previous year, as the market remains tough and LPs selective. Not all European regions fared equally though, with the Nordic countries and France attracting significant amounts of capital....
Nordic investments collapse in Q4 2011
Nordic private equity investments fell off a cliff in Q4 2011, according to data from the latest unquote” Nordic Private Equity Index, in association with KPMG.
Trade sale values boom in 2011
Trade sales continue to be the most common exit route in 2011 and increased by almost €30bn in value, while secondary buyouts are stalling, reflecting the tough economic conditions of the past year. Anneken Tappe reports
Deal volumes hit 15-year low
Deal volumes in Q4 2011 hit their lowest levels since 1996, in a difficult final quarter for the private equity industry, according to the unquote” Private Equity Barometer, in association with Arle Capital Partners.
Debt providers: “One-stop shops” gaining ground
Faced with a tough bank lending environment, PE houses are increasingly turning to “one-stop shops” to leverage their deals. Indeed, alternative debt providers are looking forward to a busy 2012, as Greg Gille finds out.
Could mega fundraisings cause Nordic dry powder problem?
International investors have driven Nordic fundraising to unprecedented levels, but will deal flow keep up with the dry powder? Sonnie Ehrendal investigates.
Concerns over “unfair” Fondo Italiano
Italy’s Fondo Italiano has been on a roll in recent weeks, completing five deals in just seven days over the festive period. But mid-market professionals in Italy are concerned the government-backed fund could be introducing unfair competition. Amy...
Tech investments continue to fall
Since its most recent peak in 2008, the volume of pure tech investments has continued to decrease across Europe, leaving the support services sector to take over as the most popular investment area. Anneken Tappe reports
EU to boost Social Entrepreneurship Funds
The European Commission has proposed an initiative to stimulate and stabilise investments in social businesses across the EU, in order to drive sustainable economic growth. Anneken Tappe reports