Analysis
Fitness investments: Working their way back to health
The recent wave of private equity-backed expansion deals in the gym industry suggests it is a sector in rude health. Francois Rowell investigates.
SVG doubts permanent shift in LP/GP relations
With the uncertainty that ensued during the financial crisis, many predictions were made regarding the reduction in the number of GPs and their relations with LPs. While we have seen an evolution on both of these issues, there are doubts over how truly...
Private equity activity subdued despite industry optimism
European private equity remained subdued in early 2010 despite relative optimism over the economy, according to the unquoteт Private Equity Barometer.
Q&A: Italian private equity renaissance?
From 2003 to 2008, Italian private equity activity grew continuously. However, since 2009 this has no longer been the case. Francinia Protti-Alvarez speaks to Raffaele de Courten, founding partner at AltoPartners, about the state of affairs and the trends...
Yacht investments - private equity is back in the regatta
Private equity backers sunk a lot of money into yacht builder deals during the peak of the buyout boom, taking control of the biggest brands in the industry within just a few years. In many cases, the outcome has been disastrous. Now, a private equity...
Carlyle's Rubenstein confirms industry predictions
Carlyleтs David Rubenstein presented his lessons from 25 years in private equity and offered some thoughts on the future of the asset class to delegates at SVCAтs congress in Stockholm yesterday. His predictions echoed the findings of the Nordic PE/VC...
Recovery fund: releasing the shackles of debt
ICGтs new recovery fund specifically supports companies chained down by over-leverage, rather than loss-making businesses that require a complete turnaround. Francinia Protti-Alvarez investigates
Fees: GPs surrender to LPs
After years of GPs and LPs operating under a standard relationship model, asset managers are beginning to balk under the LP pressure for increased transparency and fee reductions as institutional investors become more aggressive in cutting costs. Gail...
CLO market thaws
The primary collateralised loan obligation (CLO) market seems to be spluttering back to life, following significant activity in recent weeks. But questions still remain as to whether the economics are in place to support a full-blown recovery. Gail Mwamba...
Fundraising: Unlocking LP appetite
Fundraising in the current environment can feel like facing a series of closed doors, but there are ways of unlocking LP commitments. Julian Longhurst reports
Managing value: back to basics
2009 and 2010 have been all about getting back to basics hands-on operational support. A big part of this is about having the best management for the job. Francinia Protti-Alvarez reports.
Seed financing fails to germinate
The German venture industry is under fire from all angles, with the regulatory environment, a shortage of serial entrepreneurs, and a lack of support from domestic LPs posing formidable challenges. One of the core problems within the segment, however,...
Biotech IPOs under investor microscope
The recent flurry of biotechs seeking to raise capital on the public markets could prove mistimed as question marks are raised over investor appetite. FranУЇois Rowell investigates.
The automotive sector: a stable proposition?
The news that beleaguered Stabilus has been taken over by Triton draws attention to the European automotive sector, which, for private equity, remains a dangerous proposition, according to insiders. Mareen Goebel reports.
LPs & GPs benefit from mutual support
Emerging from the recessions, GPs are facing a new reality in their LP relations. Investors are becoming increasingly selective, and approach negotiations with more assertiveness. However, as Francinia Protti-Alvarez finds, the new GP/LP relationship...
Hermes and Gartmore deliver consolidation message
Hermes and Gartmore lead the consolidation of the fund-of-funds industry with the creation of Hermes GPE. Deborah Sterescu reports.
CEE: The dark horse of private equity
Overlooked by many LPs, the CEE private equity market could reach a canter before its Western neighbours as it emerges from the recession. Julian Longhurst reports.
LPs make their move at ILPA meeting
The private equity world used to be run by GPs. There is now abundant evidence that this is no longer the case, as LPs are beginning to dictate terms. A meeting between buyout chiefs and their investors in New York today could lead to further change....
Private equity philanthropy: taking responsibility
With more people (and particularly investors) becoming socially and environmentally conscious, private equity firms are keener than ever to demonstrate their commitment to a responsible investment ethos. Mareen Goebel investigates.
Private equity embraces environmental due diligence
With the launch of Carlyle and EDFтs analysis tool for environmental due diligence, Francinia Protti-Alvarez finds that putting green issues on the agenda makes financial sense.
Debt markets go full circle
With senior leverage loans on the secondary debt market trading at around par, investors are returning to the primary market. Emanuel Eftimiu reports
Portugal Q&A: Small is beautiful
The Portuguese private equity market may be underdeveloped but that may just be what makes it attractive. Francinia Protti-Alvarez speaks to Rui Branquinho Mota, investment director at Inter-Risco, about the topic.
ICG Recovery Fund set to close
As the first quarter of the year comes to a close, recovery remains at the top of many businessesт agendas as more of them struggle to repay their loans. Firms like ICG are looking to take advantage of these situations with its new Recovery vehicle. Deborah...
Kabel Deutschland – will it perform?
Today saw the eagerly-anticipated debut of Kabel Deutschland’s shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Although the listing is currently trading at par, the question remains if the IPO will live up to expectations. Mareen Goebel reports